Popular presenter Belinda Russell has been dumped from her role as co-host on the Weekend Today program.
The sudden axing of Belinda Russell comes just weeks into the commencement of the ratings year. Weekend Today regularly struggles to compete against the dominant Weekend Sunrise program.
Russell took to Instagram on Sunday to share the decision and also post a video of highlights from her time on the show.
“My time on Weekend Today has come to an end. Thanks to those who tuned in. I hope I brought some sunshine and joy to your weekends.”
Despite her absence from the Today desk over the weekend, Belinda remained on-air for her usual weekend weather reports during the Sydney evening news. She was also called upon to present the Today Extra program on Monday morning while Sylvia Jeffreys was absent caring of her sick children
It remains unclear who will replace Belinda as the new host of Weekend Today.
The axing of Russell from Weekend Today comes after the network has so far failed to lock in a permanent replacement for Charles Croucher who departed as co-host of the weekend breakfast program late last year.
A spokesperson for Channel 9 declined to answer questions regarding when the network will announce replacements for Russell and Croucher .
“Belinda is a valued member of the 9News team which will enable her to work across all of our news brands. We will be making further announcements soon.”
Belinda, who has been on air at Nine since 2007, started as a reporter for A Current Affair. The presenter has built a significant following on Instagram due to her popular dance videos.
