DR CHRIS ANNOUNCES SHOCK EXIT

A troublesome time for Ten has culminated in the sudden departure of its biggest star

After a tumultuous year, Ten was dealt its biggest blow yet when news broke that popular presenter Dr Chris Brown had defected to rival Seven. After 15 long years, the former Bondi Vet star announced last week that he was leaving the network, and Woman's Day's top insiders say the reaction at Ten has been nothing short of a "nightmare".

Speaking under the promise of anonymity, sleuths divulge that Chris' departure came as a "complete and utter surprise" to Ten, who had been quietly planning the relaunch of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!.

"I'm not entirely sure my old access pass works but once we get over that hurdle and I'm back from the jungle, I can't wait to sink my teeth into some exciting new projects in the second half of the year and beyond with Seven," Chris said in an official statement, hinting at the drama that unfolded.

COMING TO SUNRISE

Interestingly, sources at Seven reveal there isn't anything specific confirmed for Chris, 44, who made his TV debut there on Harry's Practice in 2003, but suggest "there are huge opportunities" for the star, who is expected to become a major player for the channel.

"By the time Chris joins in July, most shows in 2023 will be complete - it's not obvious what Chris will be doing," says an insider, who adds the fact Seven poached the host without an immediate plan is a telling sign of his worth.