“Getting Up at 3 AM!”: Tom Steinfort’s Wild Reaction to Landing Today’s Top Job Alongside Sylvia Jeffreys!
Tom Steinfort and Sylvia Jeffreys announced as new hosts of Today
Nine confirms the pair will lead the show together.
Nine has confirmed Tom Steinfort and Sylvia Jeffreys as the permanent hosts of Today, ending speculation over who would lead the show following both Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abos’s exits.
Newsreader Jayne Azzopardi announced the news live on air on Thursday morning.
Sylvia, who has worked across the Today desk in various capacities for close to 15 years, said stepping into the role permanently felt like a natural progression.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Today family for nearly 15 years and it’s always felt like home,” she said. “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.”
She added that the team was focused on delivering the mix of news and personality the show is known for: “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.”
Meanwhile, Tom said he was looking forward to settling into the early starts the role demands.
“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?”
He also spoke about working alongside his new co-host: “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 reshuffle has flow-on effects elsewhere in Nine’s line-up. With Sylvia moving to Today, Belinda Russell steps up as permanent co-host of Today Extra alongside David Campbell. And with Tom taking on the Today role, Alicia Loxley will remain in place hosting 9News Melbourne’s 6pm bulletin.
The announcement comes one day after Sarah Abo confirmed she is leaving both Today and the Nine Network. Sarah, currently on maternity leave, said she plans to pursure other opportunities.
“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 said in a statement. “Without you, there is no Today show.”