Speculation is mounting over a Channel Seven presenter’s lengthy absence off air following the return of a popular colleague.
Seven sports presenter Mel McLaughlin has not been seen on air since mid-January, having gone on leave after hosting the network’s Summer of Cricket coverage.
Veteran presenter Matt White returned to Channel Seven last month to fill in for McLaughlin. He has worked at SEN mornings in recent years after finishing his role at Channel 10 in 2020.
Inside sources say White’s comeback blindsided McLaughin, according to new.com.au.
McLaughin has also missed out on a plum role hosting the network’s Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games coverage, the publication has heard.
Seven on Friday confirmed McLaughlin will be on leave for a further two weeks.
“Mel is taking some well-earned leave after a massive summer of sport and will be back in a couple of weeks ahead of the NRL season,” a 7News spokesperson said.
SkyNews.com.au understands McLaughlin will return to her Sunday to Thursday 7News role.
The network has not yet unveiled its Commonwealth Games line-up, but it is believed McLaughlin will be involved in Channel 7’s sport and news coverage.
It comes after White, who previously spent a decade at Channel 7, returned to the channel on January 18.
During his time away from TV, White had worked at SEN mornings and ran a farm with his wife on NSW’s mid north coast.
He is now set to lead Channel 7’s NRL and 2026 Rugby League World Cup coverage.
“I’m pumped, ready to rumble, it is time to come back,” White previously said.
“The chance to do what I love, which is live TV again, is something that I don’t take for granted.”
The network last month announced “record-breaking” Summer of Cricket coverage, reaching 16.8 million people on its Seven and 7plus Sport platforms.
“Seven’s record-breaking Summer of Cricket continues, with the Big Bash League (BBL) recording its biggest audience in six years off the back of The Ashes becoming the highest rated Test series ever on Seven,” a Seven statement on January 28 read.
7plus Sport viewing rose 126 per cent, while the network’s Ashes average total TV audience was up 12 per cent compared to last summer’s Australia-India test, the statement read.