Broadcaster Heather Du-Plessis Allan will be leaving MediaWorks and taking some time out from television, when her 7pm nightly current affairs show wraps at the end of this year.
Shakeups at the media company have revealed Story, which is fronted by Heather and her co-host Duncan Garner, won’t be returning to TV3 in 2017.
Duncan Garner will remain with MediaWorks and will front a new breakfast show as current breakfast host Paul Henry is leaving the morning slot. It’s been reported that Henry will be taking up another, as yet, unspecific role with the network.
READ UPDATE: Heather du Plessis-Allen axed from Story after ‘inaccurate’ interview
Heather and Duncan have fronted the nightly current affairs show since it began late 2015.
The television presenter told NZME that while she and Garner knew Story was being axed back in July, she was glad she’d had an opportunity to work on the current affairs show.
“I gave it a go and had a fantastic time, it’s one of those things you can look back when you are an old lady and say I did that”.
The 32-year-old journalist also admitted the demands of her nightly television role, along with her Sunday Radio Live show, and a commute to Wellington every fortnight had left her exhausted.
“I was working 6 days a week, which is really seven. If a radio interview fell over on Saturday you’d have to find something else – so your brain just doesn’t turn itself off”.
Heather and her husband of seven years, Barry Soper.
She said her husband, Newstalk ZB’s political editor Barry Soper, was behind her decision to leave and was looking forward to spending more time with her.
Story will end in three weeks, and the broadcaster said she’s looking forward to taking time out to relax.
“I want to read books in the sun, surf and spend time with friends and family- the people that matter- for as long as I like.”
