In 2008, Jennifer Hawkins saw her salary at Channel 7 cut in half, leaving her without work for the past two years. With her contract set to expire at the end of November, bosses at Seven are beginning to question their decision.
This week, turmoil engulfed Seven executives as they sought a new project to persuade Hawkins to remain with the network, which she has called home since her Miss Universe victory in 2004, especially after the model’s weekend remark about leaving.
However, Hawkins’ representatives indicated that she is not interested in staying, and while discussions with Channel 9 have been fruitful, they have not offered significant financial benefits.
Hawkins is moving to Nine, not primarily for the financial aspect, but rather due to her exhaustion from being tied to Seven, which has proposed roles in Better Homes And Gardens, Beauty And The Geek, and a new game show, Beat The Star, this year, none of which are deemed suitable for her as a $5 million Myer ambassador.
The former cheerleader is already included in Nine’s programming plans for 2011 and will be engaged in various projects.
“Jennifer has been under an exclusive contract with Seven for six years, a situation she has appreciated,” stated her manager, Sean Anderson, last night.
“For the past year, TV has taken a back seat as she focused on her businesses (Cozi, JLH shoes, and property development), and in 2011, Jennifer aims to work in TV on a freelance basis.”
When Hawkins joined Seven in 2004, she was reportedly one of the highest-paid figures at the station, with her contract valued at a remarkable $700,000 annually.
However, this contract was allegedly reduced by half in 2008 after the network decided to cancel The Great Outdoors, the program she was contracted to work on.