‘Thanks for your company, goodnight’: Leigh Sales signs off 7.30 for the last time

Leigh Sales has delivered her final show as host for ABC’s 7.30, with an emotional sign-off after more than a decade of delivering hard-hitting interviews.

The veteran journalist announced her departure earlier this year on February 10 and will be focusing on spending quality time with her family.

“Tonight is my final episode of 7:30 as anchor,” Sales concluded.

“Tomorrow night there is a special edition of 7:30 looking back over the many, many years.

“I’ve loved every minute. It’s been an absolute privilege.

Sales’ voice wavered and she held back tears as she delivered her final line: “Thanks for your company, goodnight.”

Leigh Sales signs off after 12 years as anchor of 7.30. #abc730 pic.twitter.com/20NY2CQObM

— abc730 (@abc730) June 30, 2022

Colleague and friend of Sales, Christopher Sall, took to social media to share a heartfelt farewell.

“Today I feel a little bit sad but mostly happy and excited for my fabulous friend and college, Leigh Sales,” the make-up artist said.

“We have known and worked with each other for many years, way back to- ABC World at Noon days- early 2000’s.

“I’m going to really miss working with Leigh on a regular basis but I’m so happy for her and to celebrate her wonderful achievements and time Hosting 7:30.

“Happy Last night on 7:30 Darl

“Congratulations, Wishing you the best always, Now rest up and enjoy your well earned break @leigh_sales xx.

“P.S I know one thing she is not going to miss-and that’s a hairy hand chasing her around with a tin of hairspray.”

 

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A post shared by Christopher Sall-Makeup Artist (@christophersall)

Treasurer Jim Chalmers shared a farewell to Sales on Twitter, commending her for being “a fierce, formidable and classy inquisitor”.

For a dozen years on @730 and before that on Lateline, #LeighSales has been a fierce, formidable and classy inquisitor. It was a big deal to be interviewed by her (and often a relief when it was over!). A complete professional and an absolute legend. All the best, Leigh. #auspol pic.twitter.com/SMu1x7e2QU

— Jim Chalmers MP (@JEChalmers) June 30, 2022

Many other public figures and fans of the current affairs interrogator offered their farewells on social media.

Simple and forever focussed on the story, not herself. A classy sign off from #leighsales on her final edition of #730 What a phenomenal stint in a very, very big chair.

— Jamila Rizvi (@JamilaRizvi) June 30, 2022

Leigh Sales is a formidable journalist – smart, thorough, compassionate, and relentless.

Thank you Leigh for your many years of tough interviews on @abc730 – your pursuit of the truth has helped Australians better understand our country + our world. All the best for what’s next.

— Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) June 30, 2022

Big thanks and congratulations to Leigh Sales for an epic innings at @abc730 . A deeply thoughtful giant of Australian journalism. #leighsales

— David Lipson (@davidlipson) June 30, 2022

Congratulations Leigh & ⁦@abc730⁩ on Leigh’s final program & for everything Leigh has done in so many different ways to enrich the audience???????????? ???? https://t.co/03OJSLpUMQ

— Sarah Ferguson (@FergusonNews) June 29, 2022

Journalist Sarah Ferguson will take over as the new host of ABC’s 7.30 program.