Melissa Doyle's next move: Ex-Channel Seven star is at the centre of a 'bidding war' between Nine and 10 - as rumours swirl she could join The Project
Melissa Doyle is TV's hottest free agent after being dropped from Channel Seven last month as a cost-cutting measure amid the COVID-19 recession.
And the 50-year-old veteran journalist is now rumoured to be fielding offers from multiple networks, including Nine and 10.
According to New Idea, Nine is said to be 'pulling out all the stops' to sign Melissa for an unspecified breakfast or morning TV role.
Next steps: Melissa Doyle is TV's hottest free agent after being dropped from Channel Seven last month as a cost-cutting measure amid the COVID-19 recession
However, a conflicting report in Woman's Day claims that Melissa is being headhunted for Channel 10's The Project.
Apparently, executive producer Rove McManus is trying get the show's budget in order so they can afford to hire the former Sunrise anchor.
'Lisa Wilkinson, the host of The Sunday is up for renewal, and the guess is she will take a big pay cut to make way for Mel to step in as a regular on The Project,' a source told the magazine.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channels Nine and 10 for comment.
Friends and co-hosts? The 50-year-old veteran journalist is rumoured to be fielding offers from multiple networks, including Nine and 10. Woman's Day claims she is being headhunted for Channel 10's The Project, which is hosted by Lisa Wilkinson
Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald reported over the weekend that 'Doyle clearly intends to stay in television' following her departure from Seven.
The mother of two doesn't have a TV gig for the time being, but she is still hosting a weekend morning show on Smooth FM.
Outside of her media career, she is an ambassador for the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Westmead Children's Hospital, World Vision, the Children's Cancer Institute and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
She was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2016 for her 'significant service to the community through representational roles with a range of charitable groups, and to the broadcast media'.
Melissa announced her exit from Seven on August 21, after 25 years of service.
Her departure is believed to be the result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Seven particularly hard.
She said in a statement: 'For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home. I've had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history.
'I am incredibly proud of the work I have done and appreciative of the trust and warmth our viewers have shown me.
'I want to thank the consummate professionals I have worked with along the way, in particular our Chairman Kerry Stokes for his constant support.'
She concluded: 'I leave Seven with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.'