Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort have been named as the new hosts of Today.
Nine confirmed the news this morning after it was widely rumoured Jeffreys will step into the role recently vacated by Sarah Abo who will be leaving the Nine Network at the end of the year.
Steinfort will join Jeffreys as host, replacing Karl Stefanovic months after his abrupt exit.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Today family for nearly 15 years and it’s always felt like home. It’s an honour to continue the legacy of this program, to be welcomed into the homes of our audience, and to steer the show into a new era alongside Tom,” Jeffreys said in a statement.
“Australians turn to Nine when big stories break and we are fully committed to bringing our audience the trusted news, entertainment and great Aussie characters that Today is famous for. We are excited to launch straight in.”
Steinfort added in the joint statement: “I never thought I’d be this pumped to be getting up at 3am every day, but it’s a privilege to be part of such an iconic show. Where else can you be grilling the Prime Minister one minute, then making an absolute goose of yourself the next?!”
“And I’m thrilled to be doing this alongside Sylvia – she’s a brilliant broadcaster, a great mate and a lot of fun. We have an incredible team around us, and such a loyal audience…I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort are widely rumoured to become the new permanent hosts of Today. Picture: Nine/Today
It was anticipated this week that Steinfort would replace Stefanovic, who was sacked from the Network after interviewing alt-right figure Tommy Robinson on his eponymous podcast.
The interview reportedly caused friction with execs at Nine and Stefanovic submitted his resignation, effective immediately.
It was reported that his $3 million contract with Nine was coming to an end in December regardless, and Stefanovic had no plans to renew.
Today co-host Sarah Abo has announced her departure from Nine. Picture: Nine
Abo’s departure comes three months after co-host Karl Stefanovic exited the show. Picture: Nine
Abo, who is currently on maternity leave after welcoming her first son in July, announced on Wednesday afternoon that she would be moving on from the breakfast program.
“Words can’t express how grateful I am to our viewers for letting me into your homes to be part of your morning routine. Without you, there is no Today Show,” she said in a statement.
“Together with 60 Minutes, I’ve spent my time at Nine chasing stories, travelling and reporting from all over the world, interviewing some incredible and inspiring people from all walks of life.”
Abo said that “becoming a mum has heralded a new chapter” in her life.
“As many of you know, this has been a significant journey for my family and will continue to be my greatest achievement,” she shared.
“I’d like to thank the wider Today team – the amazing crew, incredible producers and my wonderful fellow hosts – you all know how much you mean to me. It takes a special kind of crazy to wake up at the hours we do but it’s so much easier when the team feels like family. I’ll miss you all dearly.”
Karl Stefanovic left Today in June following the airing of a controversial episode on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show. Picture: Mark Stewart
Abo recently stopped by Today with her new baby Sonny while on maternity leave. Picture: Today
Today weather presenter Tim Davies departs the breakfast show after seven years, with his last broadcast this Friday. Picture: Today
Abo’s announcement also comes just weeks after weather presenter Tim Davies announced he would also exit the breakfast show after seven years.
The seasoned presenter shared the sad news on air in late August and his final forecast will be this Friday when he hangs up his hat for good.
Jeffreys is currently expecting her third child with husband Peter Stefanovic. Picture: Instagram/Sylvia Jeffreys
“Thank you for allowing me into your homes and into your lives each morning. Your feedback, good and bad, are the random chats, mostly at airports and sometimes in the supermarket,” Davies said on air at the time.
“Being the lucky one on our team to be out and about with you every day. I’ve had the most amount of time engaging with our incredible audience, and that has by far been one of the greatest highlights of this role.”
Last month, Jeffreys announced she is pregnant with her third child, a baby girl, with her husband Peter Stefanovic, Karl’s younger brother.
The couple already share two boys, Henry and Oscar.