Jessica Rowe shocked the nation by sensationally quitting Studio 10 on live television this Friday.
And it seems the beloved presenter’s departure has ignited a feud between Channel 10 and Robert McNight, a former Studio producer.
Moments after Jessica’s shock announcement, Robert took to Twitter to weigh in on the news, Tweeting: ‘Sad to hear @JessRowe is leaving Studio10au. @channelten have been planning to sack her for over a year.’
‘I look forward to them repeating that in court’: Channel 10 has slammed ‘spiteful’ former Studio 10 producer who claimed the network wanted to fire Jessica Rowe for a year… before he hit back on Twitter with legal threat
‘She blamed me, even though I was trying to save her job,’ he added.
Channel 10’s publicity team promptly hit back with an official statement denying Daniel’s claims, telling News Corp: ‘Mr McKnight’s claim is completely wrong, obviously spiteful and deliberately misleading.’
‘As Jess said, she has decided to leave Studio 10 to devote more time to her family and her other interests. Anyone who suggests otherwise is being petty and ignorant. Jess is welcome back to TEN anytime,’ the statement concluded.
War of words? ‘She blamed me, even though I was trying to save her job,’ Robert (left) added
David Wilson, the director of Watercooler Talent agency to which Jessica is signed, echoed a similar statement on Twitter.
He Tweeted: ‘@rob_mcknight to be absolutely clear- Ten offered Jess a generous new contract for her to stay. Leaving @Studio10au was Jess’ choice for the reasons she so beautifully articulated on air this morning. It takes great courage to make these big decisions.’
In a matter of hours, Robert took to Twitter with his response to the network’s statement, which appeared in an article published on News.com.au.
‘Re @channelten’s quote in @newscomauHQ saying my tweet was ‘completely wrong’, I look forward to them repeating that in court,’ he Tweeted alongside a link to the News Corp article.
Illustrious career: She was a co-host of Channel Ten’s evening news, before defecting to the Nine Network in 2006, where she appeared alongside Karl Stefanovic as host of the Today Show
Jessica is one of Australia’s most well-known television personalities, having been on screens for more than twenty years.
She was a co-host of Channel Ten’s evening news, before defecting to the Nine Network in 2006, where she appeared alongside Karl Stefanovic as host of the Today Show.
On Friday morning’s show, Jessica made clear that Channel Ten have been ‘nothing but supportive’ of her decision.
Support: On Friday morning’s show, Jessica made clear that Channel Ten have been ‘nothing but supportive’ of her decision