Former Sunrise Star Nelson Aspen Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Truth of 2022 Exit
In a candid new interview, former Sunrise personality Nelson Aspen has pulled back the curtain on the surprising circumstances that led to his departure from the popular morning show in 2022. Known affectionately as Brekkie Central's 'man in Hollywood', Aspen's live on-air resignation left viewers stunned, with initial reports attributing his exit to burnout.
A Drawn-Out Saga of Replacement Struggles
The 62-year-old fan favourite now reveals that his exit was a protracted process, largely because producers faced significant challenges in finding a suitable replacement. 'The game is sometimes that you just have to tinker with [the show] to keep it fresh,' Aspen explained during his appearance on the YouTube programme McKnight Tonight.
He disclosed that multiple potential successors were considered, including notable names such as:
- Nula Hefner
- James Tobin
- Julia Morris
- Fifi Box
- Eddie Bartholomew
'I kept coming back,' Aspen remarked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his role. His on-air presence fluctuated dramatically during this period, with some weeks featuring five daily appearances and others reduced to just twice weekly. 'It was an evolution...' he reflected, describing the gradual nature of the transition.
Loyalty to Audience Amid Network Changes
Appearing to accept Channel Seven's decision to part ways after nearly two decades, Aspen emphasised his commitment to maintaining professionalism. 'That's showbiz,' he stated pragmatically. 'I needed to be loyal to the audience who was so loyal to me. I had to give them as much time as I would be allowed to give them. I wasn't going to just disappear.'
Despite recognising he had no future with the network, Aspen continued fulfilling his broadcasting duties until his final appearance. His departure announcement during a June 2022 live bulletin from the United States surprised co-hosts Natalie Barr and Michael Usher, as he declared, 'After 19 and a half years with Sunrise, I am giving you my two weeks' notice.'
Post-Sunrise Career and Personal Milestones
Since leaving the morning programme, Aspen has diversified his professional portfolio. He currently serves as a regular political commentator for GB News in the United Kingdom, while also pursuing literary endeavours. His Dancing Between the Raindrops book series, which traces a fictionalised version of his three-decade reporting career, recently concluded with the publication of 'Happily Ever After' this month.
On a personal note, Aspen remains close with former Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle, revealing he visited Australia last month to celebrate Christmas with the beloved television personality. In 2023, he married his long-term partner Jonny in a low-key New York courthouse ceremony, humorously describing the event as a 'courthouse quickie' in reference to HBO's Sex and the City.
Reflections on a Distinguished Broadcasting Career
Throughout his tenure at Sunrise, Aspen built an impressive reputation, interviewing Hollywood icons including Julie Andrews, Harrison Ford, and Rose Byrne. He covered major entertainment awards ceremonies such as the Oscars and Golden Globes, bringing Hollywood glamour to Australian breakfast television audiences.
In the months following his departure, Aspen acknowledged to New Idea magazine that he had experienced burnout, particularly struggling to maintain his workload from home during COVID-19 lockdowns. This revelation adds context to his initial exit explanation, though the newly disclosed replacement struggles provide a more comprehensive picture of the circumstances surrounding his Sunrise farewell.
