Liz Hayes 'could go back to her old stomping grounds at Ten' after Under Investigation was conspicuously absent from Channel Nine Upfronts

Liz Hayes is weighing up her future at Channel Nine, according to a report in New Idea. 

The 68-year-old TV veteran is 'planning' what to do next after her true crime show Under Investigation was noticeably absent from the recent Nine Upfronts. 

Nine's new boss Matt Stanton has announced cuts of up to $50million before July 2025, and it is becoming likely that Under Investigation will not be renewed next year.

On Monday, New Idea reported that Liz is already preparing an exit strategy. 

An insider speaking to the publication claimed Hayes is looking to jump ship to 'her old stomping grounds' at Network 10.

'There has been a lot of talk about what Liz is planning to do,' a well-placed source told the publication. 

'Word is, she could go back to her old stomping grounds at Ten, where she started out way back when,' they added.

In August, Channel Nine insiders revealed the veteran reporter's award-winning show was 'under review' and about to be axed amid widespread budget cuts and forced redundancies at the network.

Long-time Nine staff said they were shocked by the decision, particularly given Hayes had only just been nominated for a Silver Logie for her work fronting the series.

'If that's what they feel comfortable doing to Liz Hayes' show, then nothing is out of bounds,' one troubled network insider told Daily Mail Australia.

'Liz is a Nine legend and the face of the network. To even consider killing off her show is just brutal - it means absolutely no one and nothing is safe.'

Under Investigation had developed a strong following in its Tuesday night timeslot since its debut six years ago.

It was recognised with a media diversity gong this year at the 2024 Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism, hosted by the Walkley Foundation, in June for its investigation into the shooting of Kumanjayi Walker by former Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe.

'It's incredibly rewarding to be acknowledged, especially given our small yet mighty team at Under Investigation. Our mission is unwavering: to uncover the truth behind challenging and significant cases,' Hayes said at the time.

'Our program is about shining a light on difficult and sometimes very dark stories. But it's always about uncovering the truth, and importantly, offering the families and friends of victims a chance at finding out what happened to someone they love.'

Although Hayes' is still with the network, it is understood a number of the program's close-knit team have already lost their jobs.