A disgruntled father-of-two has slammed Weekend Today for ‘dumping’ his daughter’s scheduled appearance on the show to make room for Chris Hemsworth on Saturday.
The Weekend Today team were shocked when the Thor actor, 37, suddenly appeared on-screen to read the weather during a segment filmed in Scone, New South Wales.
Chris’ surprise cameo meant the Today film crew couldn’t travel to Ballina in time for the show’s subsequent segments – including one featuring cheerleading children from the Epic Cheer Allstars gym.
‘Way to go kicking small town sports in the guts’: Chris Hemsworth’s surprise Weekend Today appearance has been slammed by a furious father whose daughters’ cheerleading segment was axed to make room for Hollywood star
Kev Graham, whose daughters Lyla, 10, and Taya, 13, belong to the Epic Cheer Allstars, told news.com.au that the squad was left heartbroken when their segment was axed at the last minute.
‘They say they will reschedule, but I don’t think that will happen,’ he said.
‘I understand that Chris is the golden ticket for ratings, but I think most families that watch Today would have loved watching the athletes show off their sport.’
The heartbroken parent said his daughters were looking forward to showcasing their skills on screen, as they’d been unable to compete all year due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Mr Graham reportedly also shared an impassioned Facebook post on Saturday, complaining that Today ‘dumped’ the cheerleaders after getting a ‘better offer’ from Chris.
‘Way to go kicking small town sports in the guts,’ he added.
‘Get your brollies out I reckon!’ The Weekend Today team were shocked when the Thor actor, 37, suddenly appeared on-screen read the weather during a segment filmed in Scone, New South Wales
Channel Nine declined to comment when approached by Daily Mail Australia in relation to this story.
Chris left the Weekend Today team in shock as he made a surprise appearance during a weather segment on Saturday morning.
The actor walked on screen behind weather presenter Lauren Phillips as she was about the read the weather from the New South Wales town of Scone.
Back in the studio, hosts Richard Wilkins and Rebecca Maddern were in shock to see the Thor star on screen.
Axed at the last minute: Chris’ surprise cameo meant the Today film crew couldn’t travel to Ballina in time for the show’s subsequent segments – including one featuring cheerleading children from the Epic Cheer Allstars gym
Lauren then invited him to take over the segment and read the national weather forecast for viewers at home.
The Avengers star injected his humour throughout his presentation and even gave a special shout out to Victorians in lockdown, saying: ‘Hello to all my friends in Melbourne. I am a Victorian.’
‘But that rain, get your brollies out I reckon,’ he suggested.
What a surprise! Back in the studio, hosts Richard Wilkins and Rebecca Maddern were in shock to see the Thor star on screen
After the report, Lauren joked that the A-list star gave her a run for her money and could take her job, but he insisted that she was doing a ‘fantastic’ job.
The Extraction actor also briefly mentioned his family, wife Elsa Pataky and their children – India Rose, eight, and six-year-old twins Sasha and Tristan, who is based in Byron Bay.
He said this year has been the longest he has been in Australia for, adding: ‘I have been here all year, it has been fantastic, being with the family and laying low.’
Before wrapping up the live TV cross, Dickie added: ‘Tell him he is booked and we will see him the same time tomorrow.’
Chris said right back: ‘I am only available for the next 35 seconds. You are going to have to keep her.’
Unhappy: Mr Graham reportedly also shared an impassioned Facebook post on Saturday, complaining that Today ‘dumped’ the cheerleaders after getting a ‘better offer’ from Chris