Lee Lin Chin signs off SBS in one last fabulous outfit

Lee Lin Chin has signed off SBS World News for the last time. The revered newsreader announced her resignation from the network last week, much to the disappointment of her fans who have watched her unique style and delivery over the past 30 years.

Chin, who was born to Chinese parents in Jakarta, Indonesia, and grew up in Singapore before moving to Australia, has earned herself a cult following over her career, not least of all for her wild and wacky outfit choices when delivering the news to the nation.

And she certainly didn’t disappoint in the fashion stakes for her final broadcast. Talk had been brewing on social media all week about what the stylish host would wear, but she perhaps exceeded all expectations by showing up in a swirl of shiny PVC.

Her peers across the industry paid tribute to her throughout the show, with everyone from ABC’s Michael Rowland to Network Ten’s Sandra Sully bidding the legend farewell.

What a way to go out.. @SBSNews #LeeLinChin pic.twitter.com/duFfQEI3c2

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) July 29, 2018

The Queen’s Goodbye … Long may you enjoy quiet ales along the strip at Kings Cross @LeeLinChinSBS @SBSNews #BestDressed pic.twitter.com/n0USY3Lckf

— Joe O'Brien (@JoeDoesNews) July 29, 2018

Announcing her resignation last week, Chin said it wasn’t by any means an easy decision.

“Having spent the bulk of my professional life at SBS, this isn’t by any means an easy decision,” Chin said. “I shall be leaving a happy and satisfying role as a newsreader. My friends and colleagues for whom I have fervent respect will be deeply missed.”

Her carefully chosen words have lead to speculation she was managed out of the building rather than choosing to go on her own terms.

An article published in The Australian on Monday claimed there had been a disagreement over Chin’s contract and that the network’s most recent offer to her as “akin to a poo sandwich”.

Indeed, Chin made a point in her announcement that she was not retiring, and had a number of projects in the works.

She told Ten Daily’s Sandra Sully she’s working on comedy travel show with ITV Australia, but conceded “once a newsreader, always a newsreader”.

“I would be very happy to read the news on a casual basis in the future if someone were willing to have me,” she said. “Let me know if you need a break, I’m sure I could give Ten a ratings boost.”

Similarly, a post on her Twitter account this week read: “I have not retired, simply resigned. Retirement is death.”

Did you watch Lee Lin Chin’s final broadcast last night? Will you miss seeing her on air?