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Home Unlabelled Sunrise's Nelson Aspen reveals the REAL reason he quit on-air after 20 years

Sunrise's Nelson Aspen reveals the REAL reason he quit on-air after 20 years

11:57 PM

Sunrise's 'man in Hollywood' Nelson Aspen reveals the REAL reason he quit after 20 years: 'It was relentless'

By Kinta Walsh-cotton For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 02:28 EDT, 15 August 2022 | Updated: 02:55 EDT, 15 August 2022

Sunrise's Nelson Aspen has revealed why he left his job as showbiz correspondent on the breakfast show after almost 20 years in the role.

The long-time US-based entertainment reporter, 59, resigned on-air in June to the shock of his co-hosts and viewers.

He told New Idea he felt 'burned out' after struggling to maintain his workload from home during Covid lockdowns.

Sunrise's Nelson Aspen has revealed why he left his job as showbiz correspondent on the breakfast show after almost 20 years in the role

'I had worked over 100 consecutive weeks without a break [because] Covid circumstances had basically turned all my work into remote/at-home broadcasting through my phone and Zoom,' Nelson explained.

'It was relentless, and for the first time in my life I was feeling burned out, because there was never a break.'

He went on to admit there were 'other parts' of his life he had to attend to, including taking care of his mother who had just been moved into assisted living.

The long-time US-based entertainment reporter resigned on-air in June to the shock of his co-hosts Natalie Barr (left) and Michael Usher (centre)

Nelson quit while delivering his morning showbusiness news bulletin live from New York City.

'After 19 and a half years with Sunrise, I am giving you my two weeks' notice,' he told co-hosts Natalie Barr and Michael Usher, who seemed surprised by the news.

He went on to say: 'I am going to go and finish up my new book [Your Home Is Your Castle]... and I'll be doing a book tour, a Q&A show that will include Australian cities.'

Nelson's last day was July 15.

He told New Idea he felt 'burned out' after struggling to maintain his workload from home during Covid lockdowns. (Pictured with Sunrise host Melissa Doyle)

An upset Natalie said at the time: 'Nelson, it's been a wonderful ride. We are going to miss you, but it's not goodbye as we have two weeks to say that.'

Nelson has been a fixture of Sunrise for the last two decades, reporting to a series of hosts including Natalie, Samantha Armytage and Melissa Doyle.

He was based in Los Angeles when he first joined the team, and remained Sunrise's 'man in Hollywood' even after moving to New York City.

Nelson (pictured during one of his first appearances on Australian TV) also left to finish his new book, Your Home Is Your Castle. His last day was July 1

The reporter marked 15 years on Sunrise back in 2018, saying he was grateful for 'having the opportunity to interview so many stars'.

'Just having the experience of being a part of the Sunrise family and coming to Australia and meeting you guys and the fans... these are opportunities that are extraordinary,' he added.

He was recently presented with the International Media Journalist of the Year award by the Publicists Guild of America in 2020, by none other than Jennifer Aniston.

Throughout his career, Nelson has interviewed the likes of Julie Andrews, Harrison Ford and Rose Byrne, and has covered all the major awards for Sunrise, including the Oscars

He was recently presented with the International Media Journalist of the Year award by the Publicists Guild of America in 2020, by none other than Jennifer Aniston (right)

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Via Daily mail UK

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