Michael Rowland quits ABC News Breakfast, says he has had ‘enough’

Michael Rowland, host of ABC’s News Breakfast program has announced live on air that he has had ‘enough’ and will leave the program.

Making the announcement on Monday’s program, the TV host and journalist said “I’m leaving News Breakfast at the end of next week.”

He address the sudden nature of his departure, saying: “I’m sorry to the viewers out there for the short notice, but I’m not one for long and drawn out farewells.”

“I am looking forward to a break and spending more time with my family. My beautiful children were 7 and 5 respectfully when I started the show and they’re now in their 20s,” he said.

“There has been an enormous amount of family sacrifice that has gone on to enable me to do the job for 15 years, so looking forward to spending time with them and my beautiful wife, Nicky, as well.”

Rowland, who joined the public broadcaster back in 1987, said he loved his role but his body is “screaming”.

“Every morning is a buzz and it’s by far the best job I’ve had at the ABC,” Rowland said.

“But after 15 years of 3am starts my body is screaming ‘enough!’. The hours have finally caught up with me.”

The program is set to look significantly different having only dealt with another hosts sudden departure weeks ago.

On September 24, sport presenter Tony Armstrong announced his near imminent departure.

“I’ve been pretty nervous about doing this,” Armstrong told viewers live on air.

“You can see my body language already. Um, I’ve retired from News Brekkie and my last day will be the 4th of October.”

“I’m not very good at doing this stuff. But I just want to thank absolutely everyone — all of you guys, my colleagues, everyone behind the camera, all the producers, all the people who watch as well and come up in the street and say g’day and all that kind of stuff.

“It’s been a whirlwind sort of three-and-a-touch years. A lot has happened. Feels like I’ve been on a bit of a rocket ship.”

A replacement for Rowland is yet to be announced.