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A popular television host considered Fox Sports' “golden boy” was dumped by his reporter girlfriend after receiving a late-night call from a colleague.
Seven News reporter Grace Fitzgibbon was “devastated and heartbroken” when her boyfriend of three years Jake Duke received the call on Saturday morning.
A source close to the couple told Chron Australia that Duke, 30, received the call “in the early hours of the morning” from Tiffany Salmond, a New Zealand rugby league sideline reporter.
The late-night call prompted Fitzgibbon, 31, to end their three-year relationship and leave the couple's home in Freshwater on Sydney's northern beaches.
Fitzgibbon briefly posted a picture of her possessions stacked in cardboard boxes over the weekend, sparking rumors in television circles.
Jake Duke and Grace Fitzgibbon's relationship collapsed after he received a late night call from a New Zealand colleague
Tiffany Salmond called Jake Duke “in the early hours of Saturday morning,” prompting his girlfriend to end their three-year relationship
Their split came just days after the couple adopted a kitten named “Muffin.” Fitzgibbon posted a picture of Duke gently patting the cat.
“Finally a momma cat… can't stop crying,” was the caption.
Both Fitzgibbon and Duke declined to comment when contacted by Chron Australia.
Duke or Fitzgibbon are not suggesting any wrongdoing.
Salmond, 26, is a freelance sports reporter who made her debut for Fox Sports Australia last September.
Last year she worked alongside Duke during an NRL Warriors game in Auckland. Duke regularly travels to New Zealand to fulfill his NRL presenting commitments.
Salmond, who lives in Auckland, shared pictures from a trip to Sydney last week – including images of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and food at Woolloomooloo Wharf.
Salmond is an aspiring sports presenter based in Auckland. Above, with Duke on the sidelines
Tiffany Salmond was photographed in Sydney last week
Duke and Fitzgibbon, who live together in Freshwater, recently adopted a kitten named Muffin
“I have a background in journalism, reporting and production with a passion for sports broadcasting and rugby league,” her LinkedIn page says.
Duke was named Sports Media Person of the Year at the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards.
He also hosts the podcast Refuse to Lose, a platform for athletes to “use their voice to change the world around them.”
Fitzgibbon is the daughter of Joel Fitzgibbon, a retired Labor leader and former minister for defense and agriculture when Kevin Rudd was prime minister.
She previously worked for Nine News and is also a registered maid of honor.
Tiffany Salmond has been contacted for comment.