Melissa Doyle has secured one of the biggest gigs of her career – hosting Oprah Winfrey’s highly anticipated Australian tour.
The veteran TV journalist, 55, told The Daily Telegraph that she was pinching herself at securing the coveted role.
‘I am so excited. It is frickin’ Oprah,’ she began.
‘The 15-year-old wannabe journo inside of me is squealing. What an honour.’
Doyle revealed she spoke with the American talk show icon via Zoom earlier this week, ahead of Friday’s official announcement.
Oprah, 71, will return Down Under in December for five ‘In Conversation’ events, kicking off at ICC Sydney on Thursday, December 4.
Melissa Doyle has secured one of the biggest gigs of her career – hosting Oprah Winfrey’s highly anticipated Australian tour
She will then head to Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne for more of her sold-out shows.
In a warm video message to fans, Oprah announced: ‘G’day my Aussie friends, I am so excited to let you know I will be joined on stage by the fabulous Melissa Doyle for my Australian shows.’
The US superstar sang Doyle’s name in the clip, adding that audiences can expect ‘an unforgettable evening of lessons and laughing and life-changing moments from my journey.’
Doyle, who spent more than a decade at the helm of Channel Seven’s Sunrise before moving on to newsreading and radio, admitted this was one interview that would push her nerves to the limit.
‘I feel like I don’t get nervous about interviewing somebody because it is my job, it is what I’ve trained for and what I do,’ she said.
‘But there is something about Oprah – she is just such a powerhouse. I’ve looked at her as an example of potential and a way you can use your voice. I’ve just looked at her as an inspiration.’
The national tour is being staged by promoter TEG Dainty, which promises a rare chance for Australians to hear directly from the woman who has influenced generations through her Emmy-winning talk show, philanthropy and business empire.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail, Doyle reflected on the intensity of her past TV roles and the joy of slowing down from more demanding jobs.
Doyle revealed she spoke with the American talk show icon via Zoom earlier this week, ahead of Friday’s official announcement
The US superstar sang Doyle’s name in the clip, adding that audiences can expect ‘an unforgettable evening of lessons and laughing and life-changing moments from my journey’
‘I think I’ve done my years of heartbreak,’ she said.
‘[I can’t wait to] do very different topics which don’t require me to stand in [disaster] zones.’
Melissa stepped down from her role as Sunrise co-host in 2013 and is hosting the new health and lifestyle program, House of Wellness, on Friday nights on Channel Seven.
Meanwhile, Oprah rose to fame as an actor in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 hit film The Color Purple.
She later transitioned to television, launching a long and celebrated career as a talk show host.
