Mark Beretta made his surprise farewell from Sunrise last week after 22 years.
And only days after the 59-year-old made his tearful goodbye on the brekkie show, TV insiders say Mark made his exit from the network after 30 years, ahead of rumoured staff cuts.
‘Beretts could see the writing on the wall and that things were set to change at Seven, just as they have at other networks,’ a source told New Idea.
‘All the networks are slashing budgets and increasingly stars on big money are being looked at more closely, in terms of their value.’
Mark’s hasty exit has left staffers in shock, with one Seven insider telling the publication: ‘It all happened so suddenly, everyone is wondering why he is leaving now.’
The insider said that the sports guru was not ‘pushed out’ and obviously wanted to be near his sick mother, who is currently battling cancer.
Mark Beretta (pictured) made his surprise farewell from Sunrise last week after 22 years
In November, Mark announced he was leaving Sunrise and the network.
He explained he is stepping away from his role to spend more time with his family.
‘Losing dad to cancer two months ago, and mum now fighting against the disease, has made me see the world a little differently,’ he said.
‘Family time has become even more important. And I want to do more to help the great work of Tour de Cure in finding treatments and cures for cancer.’
It comes after the Daily Mail revealed the Sunrise veteran is quietly dating Renata Hickson, a former soldier, who has been supporting him through one of the most emotional years of his life.
Beretta recently teased that he had a ‘special friend’ helping him navigate his Sunrise exit, the devastating death of his father, David in September and his mother Joan’s illness.
At the time, he refused to name her, simply saying, ‘Dad loved her, which is great. She’s great.’
Now the identity of the glamorous brunette has been revealed, with Renata emerging as the woman by Mark’s side during his private turmoil and new chapter.
Hailing from Hobart, Tasmania, Renata holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Tasmania, as well as a Master of Teaching. (Pictured: Also pictured: Governor General Sam Mostyn (left), Renata Hickson (centre) and Beretta
Hailing from Hobart, Tasmania, Renata holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from the University of Tasmania, as well as a Master of Teaching.
She boasts a 17-year military career, during which she became Australia’s first female in a combat role as a Tank Squadron Commander.
Among her high-octane roles, she was a lead planner for the United States Special Operations Command in Syria, for which she earned multiple commendations.
She currently focuses on empowering First Nations voices through her work at the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
