Home/Entertainment/Channel Seven's year from hell: From Adele interview gaffe to big-budget flops
Channel Seven's year from hell: From Adele interview gaffe to big-budget flops
DUK Editor Team Send an email November 27, 2021
Channel Seven may have reclaimed the title of Australia's number one TV station, but that doesn't mean 2021 has been an easy year for the network.
In fact, the opposite seems to be true.
Despite coming out on top, Seven executives will no doubt be trying the scrub the last 12 months from memory, after a string of scandals saw the network and its stars rarely out of the headlines.
From a botched interview with Adele to news reporters behaving badly and big-budget reality shows flopping in the ratings, the past year has seemingly been one PR disaster after another for Seven.
But despite it all, the 'red team' has come out on top, and the highlight of the year was arguably its acclaimed coverage of the Tokyo Olympics.
Inside Channel Seven's year from hell: From the infamous Adele gaffe to big-budget flops, rumours of a Sunrise 'feud' and Sam Frost's anti-vax meltdown. Pictured: Former Sunrise co-anchor Sam Armytage, who was rumoured to have feuded with her predecessor Natalie Barr
'Feuding' Sunrise stars
A silent 'feud' between former Sunrise co-host Sam Armytage and her predecessor Natalie Barr has likely given Seven bosses a few headaches this year.
Sam, 44, threw shade at Natalie on Twitter in June for continuing to speak about her in the press, three months after taking over as anchor of Seven's breakfast show.
Clash of the co-hosts? A silent 'feud' between former Sunrise co-host Sam Armytage (left) and her predecessor Natalie Barr (right) has likely given Seven bosses a few headaches this year
She was responding to an interview Natalie had done with The Australian Women's Weekly in which she claimed the pair weren't friends outside the workplace.
After brushing off a question about their rivalry on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Sam tweeted: 'Look, I'm out. Nat's wanted the job forever… and she's finally got it. She just needs to get on and enjoy it – and forget about me (even though I'm unforgettable).'
Sam was co-anchor of Sunrise from June 2013 until March this year, when she stepped down to spend more time with her family.
'Nat's wanted the job forever… and she's finally got it': In June, Sam threw shade at Natalie on Twitter for continuing to speak about her in the press, three months after taking over as anchor
Natalie, the show's longtime newsreader, replaced her the week after her departure.
Sam's tweet contradicted Natalie's own account of her promotion to co-anchor, as she has always said she didn't aspire to be host and was surprised when Seven offered her the job.
It came after Natalie revealed for the first time she didn't have a close relationship with Sam, whom she replaced as Sunrise anchor on March 15.
Having her say: After brushing off a question about their rivalry on The Kyle and Jackie O Show (pictured), Sam tweeted: 'Look, I'm out. Nat's wanted the job forever… and she's finally got it. She just needs to get on and enjoy it – and forget about me (even though I'm unforgettable)'
When asked about rumours they weren't close, Natalie had told AWW the pair 'got along well in the office' but rarely spoke after the cameras stopped rolling because they didn't have much in common.
'The truth is we didn't really see each other outside the office,' she said.
'We had vastly different lives, I guess,' the mother of two added. 'We were in different places. She was hanging with her friends, and I was spending time with my family.
'So, yes, we were in different places.'
Caught off-guard: Sam was responding to an interview Natalie had done with The Australian Women's Weekly in which she claimed the pair weren't friends outside the workplace
Expensive shows with poor ratings
Seven opened up the chequebook this year to bring over major international talent such as Caitlyn Jenner, Rita Ora and Ant Middleton.
But not all of the network's investments paid off in the ratings.
While The Voice was a smash hit, often doubling the audience of Nine's The Block, the star-studded Big Brother VIP was a complete flop.
Big Brother, nobody's watching: Seven opened up the chequebook this year to bring over major international talent such as Caitlyn Jenner, Rita Ora and Ant Middleton – but not all of the network's investments paid off in the ratings. Pictured: Caitlyn Jenner on Big Brother VIP
Despite a headline-grabbing cast and a tireless marketing campaign, the latest season struggled to contend with its rivals.
The reality show failed to reach more than 380,000 viewers in the five capital cities, and usually ranked as the third our fourth most popular show of the night.
The last episode delivered the lowest ratings of the entire season, with just 311,000 metro viewers tuning in for the winner announcement.
Poor outcome: Despite a headline-grabbing cast and a tireless marketing campaign, the latest season of Big Brother VIP struggled. Pictured: Big Brother VIP host Sonia Kruger
It should be noted, however, that Big Brother VIP did have a large catch-up audience on 7Plus.
However, the ratings were nevertheless bad news for Seven, as the network is believed to have spend a considerable amount of money to secure housemates.
Caitlyn Jenner was reportedly paid $500,000 for her time, while Donald Trump's former aide Omarosa Manigault Newman is said to have earned $450,000.
Cha-ching! Caitlyn Jenner was reportedly paid $500,000 for her time
Married At First Sight's Jessika Power and Kyle Sandilands' ex-girlfriend Imogen Anthony are both said to have earned $20,000 to appear on the show.
British right-wing commentator Katie Hopkins was also given a $200,000 pay packet, even though she never made it into the Big Brother house.
More on that later…
Meanwhile, SAS Australia: Hell Week also bombed in the ratings, despite Seven bringing back the British instructors Ant Middleton, Olli Ollerton and Jason Fox.
Talent comes at a price! Donald Trump's former aide Omarosa Manigault Newman is said to have earned $450,000
The military-style show, a civilian version of SAS Australia, fizzled during its debut season, launching with 387,000 viewers and ending with 328,000.
Adele's One Night Only concert special also underperformed earlier this month, despite reports Seven spent $1million on exclusive rights.
The broadcast pulled in 747,000 viewers in the 7pm time slot, while Nine's Lego Masters Brickmas Special won the night with 804,000.
Flop: SAS Australia: Hell Week also bombed in the ratings, despite Seven bringing back the British instructors Ant Middleton (pictured), Olli Ollerton and Jason Fox
Worth the price tag? Adele's One Night Only concert special also underperformed this month, despite reports Seven spent $1million on exclusive rights. The broadcast pulled in 747,000 viewers in the 7pm time slot, while Nine's Lego Masters won the night with 804,000
The Katie Hopkins incident
Seven was plunged into a PR disaster in June when British commentator Katie Hopkins was deported from Australia ahead of her scheduled appearance on Big Brother VIP.
The right-wing media personality was kicked out of the country with a $1,000 fine, after she posted a bizarre video detailing her plans to break hotel quarantine by opening her door to food deliveries naked and without a mask.
Deported: Seven was plunged into a PR disaster in June when after British commentator Katie Hopkins (pictured) was deported from Australia ahead of her appearance on Big Brother VIP
Out: The right-wing media personality was kicked out of the country with a $1,000 fine, after she posted a bizarre video detailing her plans to break hotel quarantine by opening her door to food deliveries naked and without a mask
In the eyebrow-raising video, Hopkins laughed: 'The police officer who checked me in told me when they knock on my door I have to wait 30 seconds until I can open the door.'
Hopkins claimed she was 'lying in wait' to 'spring [the door] open and frighten the s*** out of them and do it naked with no face mask'.
After being fined, Hopkins insisted she never broke the rules and also claimed she was subjected to 'harassment' from officials.
Out: She boarded a Singapore Airlines flight from Sydney on July 19 after her 'critical skills' visa was torn up by the Federal Government
Denied: After being fined, Hopkins insisted she never broke the rules and also claimed she was subjected to 'harassment' from officials
She also denied she'd leaned into a hotel corridor without her mask on, despite being fined for the alleged act on July 16.
While she didn't even make it into the Big Brother house, Hopkins still reportedly walked away with her appearance fee.
Matt Doran's bungled Adele interview
Seven presenter Matt Doran was left with egg on his face earlier this month after he failed to listen to Adele's new album before interviewing her in London.
The Channel Seven reporter had flown to London to interview the chart-topping singer, 33, for the Seven Network – but shockingly admitted during the chat he hadn't actually listened to her new album, 30.
An 'offended' Adele was then said to have walked out of the interview, which Doran denied.
Unprepared: Seven presenter Matt Doran was left with egg on his face earlier this month after he failed to listen to Adele 's new album before interviewing her in London
The network allegedly spent $1million on the ill-fated interview, plus her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey and footage from her One Night Only concert.
Doran, 37, appearing completely devastated, issued a grovelling apology to Adele on Weekend Sunrise and blamed the saga on a 'missed email', before admitting the interview was meant to be 'one of the highlights' of his career.
In his candid statement, Doran said he had received a 'torrent of abuse and mockery from around the world'.
Exclusive: The network allegedly spent $1million on the ill-fated interview, plus her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey and footage from her One Night Only concert
'This is a story that has sparked from around the world, a torrent of abuse and mockery from around the world, and if I'm being honest with you, the bulk of this savaging I deserve and I totally own,' he began.
'I flew to London to interview Adele, an unspeakable privilege and what was to be one of the highlights of my career.
'I made the terrible mistake of assuming we weren't to be given a preview a copy of this album, because our interview was airing before it was released and Adele's album was the industry's most-prized secret.'
Speaking out: On Weekend Sunrise on Saturday, a devastated Doran finally broke his silence on his car-crash interview with Adele and issued a grovelling apology to the singer
Doran said that he missed an email from Sony that contained a link to Adele's new album, 30, and said it was the 'most important email I've ever missed in my life'.
'The day after, after we landed in London an email came through from Sony. It didn't mention Adele, but it did contain a link to her album.
'The genuine, dead-set, hand on heart truth is that I missed it. By an absurdly long margin, the most important email I've ever missed in my life.'
The journalist confirmed that Adele 'did not walk out' of their chat and that it in fact ran overtime.
Car-crash interview: He had flown to London to interview the chart-topping singer, 33, for the Seven Network – but shockingly admitted during the chat he hadn't actually listened to her new album, 30
'At least half of the interview focused squarely on the new music,' he said, noting that he thought it 'reductive' to speak of the album as being about her divorce to Simon Konecki.
'I thought it was reductive to describe it as simply being about divorce, that it was about empowerment, and would inspire to summon the courage to steer their lives in a new direction.'
Doran revealed that they spoke at length about her career and artistry, fame and 'the majesty' of her voice.
He noted that Adele shared how she came up with her leading single Go Easy On Me in part while singing acapella in the shower, and how her album 30 helped repair her relationship her now-late father, Mark Evans, before his passing earlier in May.
Matt explained: 'The day after, after we landed in London an email came through from Sony. It didn't mention Adele, but it did contain a link to her album. The genuine, dead-set, hand on heart truth is that I missed it… the most important email I've ever missed in my life'
Doran continued: 'Throughout the 29 minutes, Adele was profound, she was very funny, she was raw and then she was honest. Honest enough to describe her depression as "end-of-the-world stuff".'
But he conceded that none of it mattered because to miss the link to the album was an insult to Adele.
Doran said: 'To Adele, I say, I'd never have knowingly disrespected you by deliberately not listening to your work. I am so sorry.'
He also apologised to her fans, saying: 'I also apologise to Adele's Australian fans, and to you, our viewers, who through my error have been denied this interview and the insight into her character.'
Doran then quoted her song Hold On, the tenth track from 30, and said: 'In the bridge after the second chorus you write that: "Sometimes forgiveness is easiest in secret".
'I'm not expecting that forgiveness, but I do owe you an apology,' he concluded.
Denied: Doran also denied rumours that his fiancée, executive producer of Today, Kendall Bora (right), had travelled to London with him
It came after he told The Daily Telegraph that he has 'no choice' but to speak about the scandal.
'I've had inquiries from Good Morning Britain, CNN, Dubai and Japan,' he said on Friday.
Doran also insisted that he'd dedicated hours preparing for the interview, contrary to reports.
'I spent the next five hours at my desk preparing for the interview. And we got to the interview three hours early the next day,' he told the publication.
He also denied rumours that his fiancée, executive producer of Today, Kendall Bora, had travelled to London with him.
Doran said Kendall had flown to Geneva to see her family there, then returned to London four days after the interview so they could fly home together.
It comes after he was reportedly taken off the air for two weeks after 'offending' Adele – a claim the journalist has since disputed, saying he just took a week off.
Disputed: An 'offended' Adele is then said to have walked out of the interview. Doran denied this. Pictured on Oprah
Sam Frost's anti-vaxxer video
Actress Sam Frost landed herself in hot water last month after revealing in an emotional Instagram video that she was unvaccinated, and that her mental health had suffered as a result of other people 'judging' her.
The actress, who has played nurse Jasmine Delaney on Seven's Home and Away since 2017, called for less judgement towards unvaccinated Australians.
'I was really hesitant about doing a video or even speaking up about this sort of thing, but I feel like it's getting to a point now in the world where there's a lot of segregation,' she said in the video.
Backlash: Home and Away actress Sam Frost landed herself in hot water last month after revealing in an emotional Instagram video that she was unvaccinated, and that her mental health had suffered as a result of other people 'judging' her
'There's a lot of harsh judgement and opinions being thrown around a lot and it's taking its toll on my mental health for sure, and I know people around me are struggling – particularly if they're on the side of they don't want to get vaccinated, for whatever reason.
'There are lots of different reasons why people are not getting vaccinated and it might be because of their medical history, their concerns, they might have family history, it could be religious reasons.'
Sam then said she hadn't been vaccinated, but claimed she'd spoken to her medical doctor as well as a psychologist about her decision; however, it's understood she does not have a valid medical exemption.
Upset: 'There's a lot of harsh judgement and opinions being thrown around a lot and it's taking its toll on my mental health for sure,' she said in the video
She added tearfully: 'It's a really hard time to be in society right now and you feel like you are less of a human and you feel like people judge you.
'And you're too scared to talk about your opinion or your feelings and part of you wants to go, "Well, it's none of your damn business why I'm not! And there's good reasons why I'm not and I don't want you to judge me."'
She explained it was important for the unvaccinated to look after their mental health, especially as freedoms return for fully vaccinated Australians.
Opting out: Sam then said she hadn't been vaccinated, but claimed she'd spoken to her medical doctor as well as a psychologist about her decision; however, it's understood she does not have a valid medical exemption
'I'm struggling a lot with my mental health and I like to think that I'm pretty on to it. I see a psychologist regularly. So I can't imagine what it's like for people who don't have a support network around them,' she said.
She added she could 'get in trouble' for coming out publicly as unvaccinated, before urging people to treat each other with more kindness and compassion.
Her video caused a great deal of controversy, mainly because of her use of the word 'segregation' when referring to the way society 'judges' unvaccinated people.
'Segregation' is typically used to describe societies that are divided due to race, religion or sexual orientation.
Controversial: Her video caused a great deal of controversy, mainly because of her use of the word 'segregation' when referring to the way society 'judges' unvaccinated people
A Seven spokesperson said afterwards: 'Seven strongly encourages vaccination for all our people and all Seven productions strictly adhere to the public health Covid-19 safe protocols.
'All Home and Away cast and crew also undertake Covid-19 testing three times a week in addition to other preventative measures.
'Sam Frost continues to work on Home and Away and follows the safety protocols in place.'
The network later announced a vaccine mandate for all cast, crew and presenters, which will be enforced from January 10.
Sam confirmed earlier this month she would be fully vaccinated by late February – about seven weeks after the mandate comes into effect.
Her character will be 'written out temporarily' until she's double vaxxed.
Response: The network later announced a vaccine mandate for all cast, crew and presenters, which will be enforced from January 10. Sam confirmed earlier this month she would be fully vaccinated by late February – about seven weeks after the mandate comes into effect
Guy Sebastian's Covid vaccine backflip
Guy Sebastian was one of Seven's flagship stars this year as a coach on singing competition The Voice Australia.
After remaining largely scandal-free over the years, he sparked controversy in September after he withdrew his support for an industry-wide campaign calling on Australians to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
The #VaxTheNation movement urged Aussies to get vaccinated in order to stop the cycle of lockdowns and help restart the live music industry.
The musician, 40, had shared an Instagram post endorsing the campaign, but deleted it just hours later then uploaded a video apologising to his fans.
Backflip: Seven talent Guy Sebastian sparked controversy in September after he withdrew his support for an industry-wide campaign calling on Australians to get the Covid-19 vaccine
Guy appeared to withdraw his support after being trolled by anti-vaxxers, according to social media users who saw the comments on his initial post.
'Hello, everybody. I just wanted to jump on here to clear something up,' he said.
'I'm sure some of you today might have seen an industry call-out with the best of intentions for our live music industry, which is absolutely decimated, trying to find a pathway forward so we can all assemble together again.
Deleted: The Voice coach, 40, had shared an Instagram post endorsing the #VaxTheNation campaign, but deleted it just hours later then uploaded a video apologising to his fans
'I've always done everything that I can to support my industry but the campaign was posted to my page without my direct involvement.
'And while I, like everyone else in my industry, want things to get going again, it is not my role to communicate in the way that post was communicated.'
'I would never ever tell people what to do when it comes to their personal health choices,' Guy added, in reference to the Covid vaccine.
'I'm very sensitive of it, not only at a public level but even in my personal life with people who have had circumstances that they have to consider when making these choices.'
Backlash: Guy appeared to withdraw his support after being trolled by anti-vaxxers, according to social media users who saw the comments on his initial post
He continued: 'I just want to say I'm really sorry. It was not a post that was communicated with love or compassion, which I feel is what's needed when it comes to addressing things like vaccinations.
'I just wanted to clarify that so that I could speak my truth and people know how I actually feel. So lots of love.'
Several fans expressed their disappointment after Guy withdrew his support for the campaign, with one tweeting: 'Is he telling the industry he's above #VaxTheNation?
'Once his supporters aren't allowed into a show there'll be another backflip! Without the backbone it'll make it easier for him!'
Reaction: Several fans expressed their disappointment after Guy withdrew his support for the campaign, including Perth alternative rock trio Shangrila who tweeted: 'Love you Guy Sebastian and I know there's no winning that fight for you (comments were crazy) but I wish you didn't back out of this post man #VaxTheNation'
Perth alternative rock trio Shangrila also commented: 'Love you Guy Sebastian and I know there's no winning that fight for you (comments were crazy) but I wish you didn't back out of this post man. #VaxTheNation.'
'You know that there are celebrities worldwide who are promoting for everyone to get vaccinated. It's not a bad thing, is it? #GuySebastian,' another wrote.
Guy later clarified he wasn't opposed to the Covid-19 vaccine, but didn't agree with telling people 'what to do in regards to their personal health choices'.
The Battle Scars singer said: 'There is no confusion, I made the personal decision to be double vaccinated. I support the music industry initiatives to revive our industry.
'However, I personally don't believe it is my place to deal in absolutes to tell people what to do in regards to their personal health choices.
'We need to remember to communicate with empathy and understanding. This has always been my goal.'
Setting the record straight: Guy later clarified he wasn't opposed to the Covid-19 vaccine, but didn't agree with telling people 'what to do in regards to their personal health choices'
Georgia Love's offensive restaurant video
In September, Seven News reporter Georgia Love was pulled from on-air duties and relegated to the production desk for posting an offensive video on Instagram.
Following a workplace investigation, Seven alerted staff via email that Georgia had been 'counselled' and reassigned to an off-camera role 'effective immediately'.
The 33-year-old deleted her Twitter account in the wake of backlash after she posted a series of offensive memes and videos about Asian restaurants.
Embattled: Seven News reporter Georgia Love was pulled from on-air duties and relegated to the production desk just days after posting a 'racist' video on Instagram in September
The regrettable saga began when Georgia uploaded footage of a cat sitting in the window of an Asian restaurant in Melbourne.
She wrote across the footage: 'Shop attendant or lunch?! [shocked emoji, crying-laughing emoji].'
Georgia later deleted the video and returned to Instagram with a heartfelt apology.
Controversy: The regrettable saga began when Georgia uploaded footage of a cat sitting in the window of an Asian restaurant in Melbourne. She wrote, 'Shop attendant or lunch?!'
'Earlier I posted a video of a cat in a restaurant window. I meant for this to be a joke about an animal being in a restaurant at lunch service time,' she said.
'I meant absolutely no insinuation about the type of animal nor the type of restaurant, but I see that my post did not come across like that and was offensive.
'I sincerely apologise for the oversight and offence I have caused. Thank you to those who called me out. This is what we need to make sure we are all accountable and do better.'
Sorry: Georgia later deleted the video and returned to Instagram with a heartfelt apology
Not her first rodeo: Georgia was also called out a second time by Instagram page Aussie Influencer Opinions for posting an offensive meme in 2013
'Again, I apologise from the bottom of my heart for the offence caused,' the journalist concluded.
Georgia was also called out a second time by Instagram page Aussie Influencer Opinions for posting an offensive meme in 2013.
The since-deleted post showed an 'animal hospital' positioned next to an Asian restaurant named 'China Chef'.
Below the photo of the two storefronts was a cartoon image of a dog, with the caption: 'That's suspicious…'
Sharing the offensive meme to her Instagram grid in February 2013, Georgia simply captioned it: 'Best.'
Called out: Many fans criticised Georgia's post in the comments, with one person writing: 'She wasn't 15, she was an adult'
Angie Kent's drink-driving charge
Angie Kent made headlines in October after she was caught drink driving in Sydney.
At the time, she had temporarily relocated to Sydney to film the Channel Seven dancing competition Dancing with the Stars: All Stars.
The former Bachelorette, 31, was driving a Kia Cerato at the time of her arrest, and was taken to a nearby police station where she returned a breath test reading of 0.081.
Drink driving: Angie Kent (pictured) made headlines in October after she was caught drink driving in Sydney. At the time, she had temporarily relocated to Sydney to film the Channel Seven dancing competition Dancing with the Stars: All Stars
Angie pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court last month.
As well as receiving a four-month driving ban, the reality star was fined $1,200 and ordered to participate in an interlock program for 12 months.
Angie was apologetic outside court, saying: 'I'm very sorry for my actions.
Guilty: The former Bachelorette, 31, was driving a Kia Cerato at the time of her arrest, and was taken to a nearby police station where she returned a breath test reading of 0.081. Angie pleaded guilty to mid-range drink driving at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court last month
Regrets: Angie was apologetic outside court, saying: 'I'm very sorry for my actions'
'I'm grateful for all the opportunities I've been afforded… I've always worked hard to do my best. However, I recognise that I have to do better in the future and I'm determined to make sure I do,' she added.
She subsequently expressed remorse on The Morning Show, telling co-hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur: 'I am completely mortified and embarrassed.'
Angie blamed the incident on a 'lapse in judgment' and her rehearsal schedule for Dancing with the Stars, which affected how her body handled alcohol at the time.
Saying sorry: She subsequently expressed remorse on The Morning Show , telling co-hosts Kylie Gillies and Larry Emdur: 'I am completely mortified and embarrassed'
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