Veteran Channel Nine star Peter Hitchener is seen for the first time since he was dumped after 25 years in a state of shock

Veteran Channel Nine star Peter Hitchener makes his first appearance since being sacked from his role as weekday news broadcaster after more than 25 years.

The 77-year-old, who has presented Nine’s weekday news bulletins since 1998, was spotted taking a walk in Melbourne on Monday.

Hitchener wore sweatpants, a gray sweater and a cardigan as he was joined by a woman for a morning walk.

He was wearing dark sunglasses and holding a phone in his hand as he talked to the woman.

It was announced on Saturday that Hitchener had been sent to the weekend slot due to health concerns.

The network announced the news and confirmed both Alicia Loxley, 42, and Tom Steinfort, 39, as his replacements.

Loxley has presented 9News Melbourne for the past twelve years, while Steinfort is a long-time correspondent for 60 Minutes.

Hugh Nailon, managing director of 9News Melbourne, said in a statement: “We are thrilled to welcome Alicia and Tom to the forefront of our news team.”

“In what will only be the fourth line-up for the bulletin, this truly marks the beginning of a new era,” Nailon continued.

The 77-year-old, who has presented Nine’s weekday news bulletins since 1998, was spotted taking a walk in Melbourne on Monday.

“We have big plans for 2024 and look forward to bringing viewers the most accurate and informative news they can trust from 9News.”

Nailon also released a statement regarding Hitchener’s future with the network.

“We are pleased that Hitch will remain a valuable and beloved part of the 9News Melbourne family.”

“He has an unwavering passion for delivering news to Melbourne and we look forward to the wealth of experience he will continue to bring to our weekend broadcasts.”

Hitchener wore sweatpants, a gray sweater and a cardigan as he was joined by a woman for an afternoon walk

Hitchener has spent months denying growing rumors that he would retire from Channel Nine.

In 2021, the veteran newsreader took a step back from presenting the news full-time.

In April that year, Hitchener gave an update on his health after being taken off air mid-bullet on Channel Nine’s Melbourne news at 6pm.

He sparked concern after stumbling over his words due to a migraine on March 29, prompting producers to quickly switch to a pre-recorded narration.

Hitchener assured the Herald Sun that ‘all is well’ with his health, confirming that he has been taking care of himself more than ever since the broadcast incident.

Hitchener, who returned to work shortly afterwards, added that he only started experiencing migraines in recent years.

It was announced on Saturday that Hitchener had been sent to the weekend slot due to health concerns

The network announced the news and confirmed both Alicia Loxley, 42, and Tom Steinfort, 39, as his replacements