Sonia Kurger gives rare insight into relationship with Craig McPherson (2024)

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Sonia Kruger has shared a rare insight into her relationship withher partner of 16 years, Craig McPherson.

The television host tells this week's issue of Stellar Magazine that Craig's recent departure from Channel Seven, where he was the network's Director of News and Public Affairs for nine years, was the right move for their family.

'One thing Craig has always been for me – and I for him – is rock solid' the 58-year-old said.

'And in an industry that can be fickle at times, you need to have someone who's in your corner. We certainly are that person for each other.'

She continued: 'Craig has had an incredible career... He's not ready to retire, but I think he needed to step back from such a demanding job, especially when we have a child who's nine.

'She requires his attention too at times, as do I. The timing was right for him to step out. I'm excited to see what comes next.'

Sonia added, 'I'm biased, but he really is one of the best in the business. I know there will be something fun that comes for Craig where he can actually indulge a passion, which is sport. So, who knows?'

Craig was responsible for programs in including7NEWS, Sunrise and The Morning Show until his abrupt departure in April.

'Mr McPherson played a pivotal role in leading Seven's news and public affairs offering over two stints at Seven, including a long period of success helming Today Tonight,' a Seven media statement said.

'He has overseen many consecutive years of audience leadership for Sunrise and The Morning Show.'

McPherson said in the statement that he had been considering whether to move on for a while, but ultimately decided that 'now is a good time for all to have a fresh start'.

McPherson has left the embattled network in the wake of the Bruce Lehrmann sex and drugs allegations that hit the network's flagship current affairs show, Spotlight.

He has worked as a journalist for over 30 years, and is credited for helping Sunrise retail its title as Australia's number one breakfast show for a decade.

Sonia began dating Craig in 2008 when they both worked at Seven, before welcoming daughter Maggie in 2015.

Craig has six children from a previous relationship.

The Strictly Ballroom star has previously admitted her romance with Craig was a slow burn.

Speaking to The Anj, Rob & Robbo Show in 2021, Sonia said she and Craig used to have many heated arguments when he was her boss on current affairs show Today Tonight, several years before they became romantically involved.

'He's one of the toughest taskmasters there is. You would know. You get very little praise from Craig, but you will definitely hear about it if you've made a mistake or you've missed something,' she said.

However, Sonia got to know another side to Craig years later, after she'd left Today Tonight and was hosting reality show Dancing with the Stars.

She revealed her former boss had reached out to her when her father was very ill in hospital.

'He'd obviously heard about it, and he sent me a very kind message,' she said. 'And from that point, we started talking and we reconnected.'