The KIIS FM breakfast host said it was too difficult juggling both her radio and TV roles.“I’ve been managing a seven morning a week juggle for the last five months and I tried with every part of me to be able to make that possible so I could keep doing this job but unfortunately we all need a life/work balance,’’ Phillips said on Sunday. “So I’m saying goodbye to Weekend Today, which is really sad, and it’s a job I desperately wanted for a really long time. So to walk away from a dream job is never easy but I’m very grateful to have this opportunity.”Host Richard Wilkins paid tribute to both Phillips and his former co-host Rebecca Maddern, who also announced she would quit the network.“We’re losing two of our much loved family members,’’ he said. “Bec Maddern is of course leaving the network. “We loved having Bec, it’s been an honour to work with her, so beautiful and talented and just a gorgeous person and it’s been a joy through tough times.”After a protracted contract negotiation, Nine announced that Maddern would exit the network she has called home for the past 5½ years.It is understood Maddern and the network were unable to agree to terms on a new deal.“Bec has been a great contributor to Nine since she joined us and we wish her well for the future,” Nine said in a statement. Her departure means the plum role as co-host of the prime-time favourite Australian Ninja Warrior is up for grabs. Fellow Australian Ninja Warrior anchor Ben Fordham stepped away from the hosting role mid-year and his replacement is yet to be announced.Maddern joined Nine in March 2016 to co-host The Footy Show. She was the first female co-host of the show and the high-profile, much-scrutinised role saw her shoot to national prominence and win respect from across the TV, media and footy industries.During her time at Nine, she proved her versatility co-hosting Australian Ninja Warrior, Weekend Today and was part of the network’s coverage of The Australian Open, as well as a range of other tennis tournaments.
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