Respected journalists Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort have been confirmed as the new hosts of the Today Show following Sarah Abo’s sudden announcement she would be leaving the program.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Today family for nearly 15 years and it’s always felt like home,” Sylvia recalled.
“It’s an honour to continue the legacy of this programme, to be welcomed into the homes of our audience, and to steer the show into a new era alongside Tom.”
“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,” she concluded.
Her new and permanent co-host Tom was also “thrilled” by the new gig.
“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,” he said. “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.”
The pair have been acting hosts for quite some time now on Today after Sarah went on maternity leave. Prior to this in June, Karl Stefanovic was fired from the Nine Network.
“When Sylvia and Tom have hosted the show over the past few months, our viewers consistently share their positive feedback – and that has been a huge factor in these appointments. Both are incredibly deserving of these positions and we know they will successfully steer the show into its new era,” Nine’s Executive Director News and Current Affairs Fiona Dear said.
Only this week, Sarah announced her departure after four years with 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,” she shared in a statement.
“Without you, there is no Today Show.
“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. Becoming a mum has heralded a new chapter, and sharing that with our audience has been truly special. As many of you know, this has been a significant journey for my family and will continue to be my greatest achievement.
“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,” she concluded.
In a video message shared on Instagram, Sarah teased that “there was more to come,” shared in “due course.”
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