Sharyn Ghidella's on-air partner Max Futcher makes a heartfelt tribute during the news following her axing by the Seven Network
Sharyn Ghidella's on-air partner has paid a heartfelt tribute to her during a news broadcast following the Channel 7 star's axing after decades in the industry.
Ghidella, 58, who was dropped after almost four decades working in the news industry, confirmed the news in a fiery Facebook post.
She had been the face of Seven News in Queensland since 2007, and her now former co-host Max Futcher spoke emotionally and passionately about her on air.
Hosting Friday's 6pm bulletin alone, Futcher immediately addressed why his partner was not there.
'First tonight, she didn't want a farewell, and she's too humble to want us to make a fuss. But we would like to thank Sharyn Ghidella for her 17 wonderful years behind the desk here at 7News Brisbane,' he said.
'A true professional, an accomplished journalist, and for all of us here – a friend and mentor. And my good mate.
'We know Sharyn has also been a big part of your lives, and we know she sees that role as a great privilege.
'Sharyn leaves with our respect, our admiration, and wishes for an amazing future. Love you Shaz.'
Sharyn Ghidella's on-air partner has paid a heartfelt tribute to her during a news broadcast after the Channel 7 star was axed after decades in the industry
Hosting Friday's 6pm bulletin alone, Max Futcher (left) immediately addressed why his former on-air partner (right) was not there
Ghidella garnered support from some major names in the industry after she was brutally axed from the network.
'We're devastated to hear that after all these years of loyal, professional service, you've been treated like this,' journalist Tracey Spicer wrote.
'It's awful to see what's happening at Channel 7. However, you're right: we don't need news with horoscopes. Thinking of you and the family with much love and support.'
The horoscopes dig was a reference to Seven's plan to include a horoscope segment in its nightly news, which Ghidella said she opposed.
Another journalist, Melissa Hoyer, also chimed in: 'When I met you many many years ago you have never, ever changed since then. As a journalist – steadfast, credible and authentic. As a person – compassionate, interested and interesting.
'It is a tragedy that so many people with strong experience, mentor and who stayed totally relevant are "moved on". Pointless. Good luck with the next chapter SG. Sending love,' she said.
Queensland Deputy Premier Cameron Dick also commented, writing: 'You've been a familiar and comforting face for so many Queenslanders. Thank you Sharyn. Very sad to see you go'.
Cartoonist Steve Panozzo wrote: 'Oh Sharyn - this is devastating news. Not only are you one of the more trustworthy and credible journalists this country has, you have demonstrated your genuine care for others in the mountain of charity work you have undertaken over many years.
'The accountants in charge of TV these days routinely show their ignorance of the assets they have and your dismissal is just another example of that tone deafness, inability to "read the room" and the complete failure to recognise the value of experience in delivering the news.'
Ghidella's fiery Facebook post took aim at the network for gimmicks such as astrology readings over keeping veteran talent (pictured in 2006 while employed at Channel Nine)
Ghidella said in her post that her 'tap on the shoulder' finally came while she was at the salon, admitting it was a 'relief' of sorts after several anxious weeks of media job cuts.
'When you work in TV for as long as I have, not a day goes by when you aren't expecting the proverbial tap on the shoulder... After 38 years, my shoulder tap has finally come,' Ghidella began.
'It wasn't quite how I expected it to end at Channel Seven.
'I was actually sitting at the hairdressers for work, when I got the call informing me, that after 17 years with the network, my time was up.'
She said her recent time at the network had been 'miserable' and she was glad to be heading out the door.
'While somewhat saddened by this decision, there is also some sense of relief. As has been widely reported, the past couple of weeks in TV has, sadly, been a miserable affair,' she wrote.
'A long list of talented, loyal and dedicated employees have been shown the door, in what seems to have been an interminable process of pulling the Band-Aid off slowly when it comes to removing what has been deemed excess stock.
'These people are some of the best content creators in the business. They are good people and it's been heartbreaking to watch.'
Ghidella (centre) said her 'tap on the shoulder' finally came while she was at the salon getting ready for work, admitting it was a 'relief' of sorts after several anxious weeks of media job cuts
Ghidella added she was not a fan of the network's rebranding of its news programming, which saw comedian Mark Humphries doing a comedy skit last night, and 'Astro Tash' starting an astrology report next week.
'I'm also not one to have my evening news served up with humour and horoscopes either, so, to be honest, it is time to go,' Ghidella sniped.
'As I'm known to say, the caravan moves on. There is certainly plenty of talent left in the building and I wish them nothing but the best moving forward.'
She ended her take-no-prisoners post by thanking the many friends she had made throughout her long career with the network.
