After more than two incredible decades on Sunrise, Mark Beretta announced his departure.
Mark, who has worked with Channel Seven for 30 years, shocked both Sunrise viewers and staff when he revealed the news mid-program on November 27.
“After 30 years working with the Seven Network and after a lot of long nights and thinking about it, the time is right for me to step away from Sunrise,” he shared.
“Working in this job and in sport has been my dream; it has given me the most extraordinary experiences and memories I could ever have wished for.
“I will treasure all the many good times and many friendships. I’m so proud to have been a part of Sunrise, and it is incredibly hard to leave behind my Sunrise family and the show we have all put so much energy into for the last 22 years.”
The sports anchor was just 28 years old when he first joined the network. His final appearance on Sunrise was on Friday December 12.
“If you had told me in February 1995, when I walked through the doors of Seven Melbourne for my first day, that 30 years later I would still be doing the job I love, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I would have punched the air,” he said.
“It has been an honour, and I have loved every day, every experience working with the amazing group of people.”
Mark has seen plenty of presenters come and go, having worked with Natalie Barr, Matt Shirvington, Edwina Bartholomew, David Koch, Samantha Armytage and so many more.
However, it is now time for the veteran journalist to prioritise time with his family.
“Sunrise has been a huge part of my life, and while it’s not easy to say goodbye to my Sunrise family and the show we’ve shared so much passion for, I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and the unforgettable moments shared,” he shared.
“Losing dad to cancer two months ago, and mum fighting on against the disease, has made me see the world a little differently.”
His mother, Joan, was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in 2019. Mark’s dad, David Andrew Beretta was diagnosed three years later and passed away on September 28, aged 87.
“Kind, generous, adventurous, good fun, hard working, and loving. We’ll miss his boundless energy and support. 60 magnificent years of marriage to Mum, together through thick and thin. I’ll think about the good times every day. A top bloke and a solid mate. I’ll always be proud of being Dave’s son,” Mark shared on Instagram.
During an interview with The Daily Telegraph, David confessed his career in television has “never been tougher.”
“The job is great and it’s fun and I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. But, I don’t want to lose this time. I don’t want to lose these moments. So, you know, I’ll grab them.”
However, Mark wasn’t alone during these challenges, revealing he had a friend to confide in.
“She’s been by my side through the time with dad, and dad loved her, which is great. She’s great,” he said, not identifying who the woman is.
Mark now intends on helping Tour de Cure, an Australian charity which raises money to fund cancer research, support and prevention programs.
The 59-year-old first joined the charity for Signature Tour in 2010, and has been back every year since. In 2011, he became a Tour de Cure board member.
Following this shock announcement, Mark spoke on the Nova 96.9’s Fitzy and Wippia with Kate Ritchie to reveal there are some upcoming projects fans should look out for.
“I’ll have a little break, but I can’t not work. I love it. I love sport … It’s magic,” he said. “So I’ve got a couple of things on the radar for next year which we’re looking forward to.”
” I don’t mind The Amazing Race actually … I like the idea of travelling around the world.”
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