Mark Beretta, a familiar face on Channel 7’s “Sunrise” for over two decades, has unveiled the personal reasons behind his decision to leave the popular morning show. The sports presenter stunned audiences last month with his announcement, marking the end of an era that began when he first appeared on the show in 2000 and officially joined in 2003.
Beretta described his tenure at “Sunrise” as a “dream” and “an honour,” yet recent revelations have shed light on the challenges he faced behind the scenes. “It’s fair to say it was a combination [of Channel 7’s choice and mine],” he told the Daily Telegraph. “I could see what was coming and I didn’t want to hang around for that.”
Personal Struggles and Professional Challenges
Beretta’s decision to step down is intertwined with both personal hardships and the evolving landscape of television. “TV has never been tougher than it is right now,” he explained, citing the need for a break after 22 years. “And, to be honest, it’s been a harrowing couple of years,” he added. “There’s been a lot going on away from ‘Sunrise’ and it’s time for a reset.”
The past six years have been particularly challenging for Beretta, known affectionately as “Beretts” by viewers. In 2019, his mother was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer, and in 2022, his father received a cancer diagnosis as well. Tragically, his father passed away earlier this year, a loss that prompted Beretta to reflect deeply on his life and career.
“We don’t have a lot of time left with her and that’s a big part of my thinking at the moment,” he explained to the News Corp newspaper. “The job is great, and it’s fun, and I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. But, I don’t want to lose this time.”
Life Beyond the Camera
Amidst these personal challenges, Beretta’s 22-year marriage to his wife, Rachel, ended in 2023. These life-altering events have led him to reassess his priorities, particularly after his father’s death, which made him question whether there was more to life than his role on the breakfast show. He took a three-week hiatus from work to spend valuable time with his father, who had much to share with his son.
Adding to the emotional complexity, Beretta recently discovered that his mother’s cancer had progressed, influencing his decision to leave “Sunrise” to spend more time with her. Alongside these family matters, Beretta has found support in a new relationship. He mentioned a mystery woman who has been “super kind and super supportive,” especially during the difficult period following his father’s passing.
Future Plans and Reflections
As Beretta prepares to bid farewell to “Sunrise” on Friday, December 12, he looks forward to spending time with his mother and embarking on a journey around Australia in a campervan. While he remains uncertain about returning to television presenting, he expressed a desire to stay connected to the sports world, possibly as a producer or in another capacity.
The departure of Mark Beretta from “Sunrise” marks a significant transition not only for the show but also for the presenter himself. His story highlights the often unseen personal battles that accompany public careers, reminding audiences of the human aspects behind the television personas they invite into their homes each morning.
