“I will not be back on air until next year”: Julia Baird reveals upcoming surgery

The Drum‘s Julia Baird has told viewers she has taken time out to address personal health, but hopes to return to ABC next year.

According to news.com.au, in 2015 she was hospitalised and diagnosed with ovarian cancer after discovering a “mass the size of a basketball.”

“To all those who have written to ask why I have not been on The Drum in the past few months, thank you,” she posted on Twitter.

“I am due to go in for more surgery this week, and it will take a good while to recover, so I will not be back on air until next year.”

Baird will also take a break from writing for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and duties as Editor at Large for Harpers Bazaar.

“I truly love all of this work – making TV, creating space for important discussions, for unheard voices and untold stories, writing, editing and working with some truly excellent minds and determined, creative souls. It’s a joy and a privilege – so for those who watch, read and engage, thank you,” she said.

Sending her best wishes were Paul Barry, Julie McCrossin, Zan Rowe, Paul Bongiorno, Juanita Phillips, David Campbell, Benjamin Law and more.

Best wishes for speedy recovery, Julie.

For those who have asked xx https://t.co/cJnxWdqtQi pic.twitter.com/VTzXlcdKez

— 💥Dr💥 Julia Baird (@bairdjulia) October 4, 2022