Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley’s off-camera conversation accidentally went to air on Wednesday night.

9News Melbourne hosts Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley were caught out in an awkward TV blooper on Wednesday night. Photos: Channel 9

9News Melbourne hosts Tom Steinfort and Alicia Loxley were caught out in an awkward TV blooper on Wednesday night during a live cross from Tipping Point. The game show’s host, Todd Woodbridge, threw to the newsroom towards the end of the program; however, rather than giving the news headlines, Tom was engaged in an off-camera conversation with a floor manager.

The pair spoke about an upcoming holiday to the Gold Coast, clearly unaware that their discussion was being broadcast on live TV. Their conversation soundtracked the news headlines flashing on screen, with Livinia Nixon’s pre-recorded weather report playing over their voices.

At one point, Alicia was shown sitting down in her chair and adjusting her lapel microphone under her blazer as Tom continued talking about Queensland.

“I always find it amazing that, uh, Gold Coast and Brisbane are, like, when you think of that you’re going up to Cairns, they’re closer to Melbourne than they are to Cairns,” Tom said.

“I know, Queensland’s huge,” Alicia added, before Tipping Point abruptly returned to screens.

Tom and Alicia began hosting 9News Melbourne in January 2024, replacing longtime anchor Peter Hitchener, who was moved to weekend presenter.

Channel 9 star announces shock exit

The blooper comes one month after it was announced that Clint Stanaway, who is both the weekend sports presenter on 9News Melbourne and the host of Weekend Today, would be leaving Channel 9 after nearly 25 years with the network.

The popular sports and news journalist revealed that he plans to focus on his full-time radio role as newsreader on Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren and pursue “a better work/life balance”.

“I’ve always treasured my job, be it on 9News, as co-host of Weekend Today or as part of the Wide World of Sports team. I’ve met so many wonderful people, shared some incredible stories and experienced the most unforgettable moments. The thrill of live television is so addictive, it’ll never leave me,” he said in a statement.

“It’s been a huge workload juggling both TV and being part of the Melbourne Nova breakfast team over the past couple of years.

“I am passionate about my newfound love for radio and have decided to give it priority moving forward, while I also look to strike a better work/life balance.

“Unfortunately, that means leaving Nine at the end of the year.

“While I step away with a heavy heart, I suspect it won’t be forever. The Nine family has been so good to me, and for that I’ll be forever thankful.”