Wendell Sailor has announced his retirement from Triple M, stepping down from 104.9 Triple M Sydney’s Drive show, The Rush Hour with Gus, Jude & Wendell.
Sailor’s decision to step down is effective immediately, and he says his primary focus is now dedicating more time to his children and “pursuing grassroots interests.”
“I am deeply grateful for SCA’s understanding and support of my decision. Balancing my career with family life is my priority, particularly as I celebrated my 50th birthday [last] week,” he said.
“Triple M has been an integral part of my professional journey. I have forged lifelong friendships and cherished every moment commenting on NRL matches and hosting The Rush Hour.
“I am thankful for the encouragement I have received and am eager for my next chapter, to concentrate on family, as well as interests such as golf and corporate opportunities.”
SCA chief content officer, Dave Cameron, said: “SCA supports Wendell’s decision to step away from The Rush Hour and the Triple M NRL commentary team to spend more time with his family. Wendell has forged a wonderful media career since joining Triple M in 2015 and we wish him well. We will always consider Wendell a member of the Triple M family.”
The new member for 104.9 Triple M Sydney’s The Rush Hour show will be announced soon.
Sailor’s departure comes as 105.1 Triple M Melbourne confirmed a new temporary Breakfast show upon the departure of Marty Sheargold.
The show, Triple M Breakfast with Wil Anderson, Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas and Rosie Walton, will run through the AFL season until Friday, 4 October, featuring a line-up of footy and comedy.
Sheargold has scaled back from the Breakfast shift, as Triple M states he continues to balance his commitments – including his stand-up comedy and appearing on the upcoming new season of Fisk.
See also: Marty Sheargold steps down from Triple M Melbourne Breakfast
In the most recent Radio Rating Survey 4, 104.9 Triple M stayed largely steady, rising only 0.1 points for a share of 5.3%.