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Mel Doyle thrills fans with new TV gig after Seven axing: 'Can't wait'

Melissa Doyle has appeared in a promo for her debut project with her new network, Channel Nine after she was let go by Channel Seven in 2020 due to Covid-19 budget cuts.

Following a 25-year stint with Seven, the 51-year-old former Sunrise host will make her TV return as the host of rival network Nine's docuseries, Australia Behind Bars.

A portrait of Melissa Doyle wearing a black dress. Photo: Channel Nine (supplied).
Melissa Doyle joined Channel Nine a year after she lost her job with Channel Seven, due to Covid cutbacks. Photo: Channel Nine (supplied).

Mel's gritty new gig

Touted as an Aussie TV first, Australia Behind Bars will offer viewers 'unprecedented access' to three maximum-security prisons in NSW.

The eight-part series, which is set to air in February, follows both the inmates and corrections officers at Dillwynia and Silverwater jails in Sydney’s west and Wellington jail near Dubbo.

Mel shared a dramatic first-look promo for the show on her Instagram which she described as, "A fascinating look at both sides of life on the inside".

Her fans were thrilled to find out more about her latest gig, with many taking to the comments to celebrate her new role as well as her new home at Channel Nine.

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A screenshot of a prison officer escorting an inmate through prison in a scene from the TV series Australia Behind Bars. Photo: Channel Nine.
A prison officer escorts an inmate in the promo for Australia Behind Bars. Photo: Channel Nine.

"So wonderful to have you back on our screens, can’t wait as you’re such a fabulous talent," one wrote.

"Good luck on this new show and station," added another.

"So happy to know that you’re back on our screens. Can’t wait to see you doing what you do best," praised a third.

Mel announced that she had signed with Channel Nine in August 2021, one year after leaving Channel Seven where she hosted a wide array of programs including Today Tonight, Sunrise, 7NEWS and Sunday Night.

When Sunday Night was axed in October 2019, Mel moved to The Latest, Seven News' late-night bulletin where she remained until her departure in August 2020.

Melissa with former Seven colleagues Edwina Bartholomew, Kylie Gillies and Natalie Barr.
Melissa with former Seven colleagues Edwina Bartholomew, Kylie Gillies and Natalie Barr. Photo: Instagram/Melissa Doyle

When she left Seven, Melissa said in a statement at the time that while she was 'sad' she felt a 'great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude'.

In March 2021, the veteran TV personality revealed how her motto of 's**t happens' helped her get through the difficult career moment following her axing from Seven's Sunrise almost a decade earlier.

While she admitted that there were a few tears when she was replaced by Samantha Armytage, she stressed she isn't bitter towards Seven and is simply grateful for every opportunity she received.

"I’m a glass half full person and I chose to say thank you. That was wonderful. Thanks for the ride. My gosh, I’ve just loved it," she said, adding she didn't believe the network's decision to let her go was a personal one.

"It's just that's the way it is."

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