For the second time in three years Juanita Phillips has spurned advances from the Nine Network. Currently on maternity leave from her main gig of reading the ABC 7pm news in Sydney, she’s been the object of attention from the Nine Network.

She re-signed with the ABC three years ago after being approached by then CEO of PBL Media, John Alexander (and then deputy, David Gyngell). She mulled and said “no” despite the blandishments from Alexander, who apparently remains a fan.

So when it became known two months ago that her contract with the ABC was up for renewal, she re-appeared on the Nine shopping list – this time to front the Today Show in a mooted double header with Peter Overton.

Things went all quiet on that front, Tracy Grimshaw, the Today Show incumbent went on holidays, then returned blonde (just like Juanita) and emerged as a possible favourite to take over A Current Affair next year if Ray Martin drops out.

But despite negotiations involving Nine CEO Sam Chisholm in recent weeks, Ms Phillips has decided to remain with the national broadcaster. Apparently she found the negotiating process less than awe inspiring and quite draining.

Her agent, Sean Anderson did a bit of shopping her around, but in the end the negotiations with Nine were fruitless.