Georgie Gardener was touted as the top pick to step into Lisa Wilkinson’s shoes following her shock departure from the Today Show.
But now the mum-of-two has officially taken her hat out of the ring as Karl Stefanovic’s breakfast program’s side-kick.
Georgie, pictured with her kids Bronte and Angus on her last Today show, left the breakfast show in 2014 to spend more time with her family.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Channel Nine’s CEO Hugh Marks “was personally involved in the negotiations with Gardner after she was identified as the best option to join Karl Stefanovic on the Today show couch.”
But the 46-year-old reportedly turned down the network boss, citing the “punishing hours” were a no-go for her.
Georgie’s decision to reject the offer echoes the same sentiment behind why she originally left the Today Show back in 2014.
The iconic newsreader was a part of the Today family for 12 years, but decided to move to the more manageable weekend news and 60 Minutes so she could focus on raising her family with husband, Tim Baker.
Together, the couple share their two kids Bronte and Angus.
At the time of the announcement, Georgie shared with fans: “The early hours are punishing and after seven years it’s time for me to catch up on some sleep.”
“After unwavering support from [husband] Tim and my kids I want to give back to them.”
With the Nine veteran out of the equation, insiders believe Lisa’s current fill-in Deborah Knight will take out the coveted gig.
“Gardner’s rejection leaves Knight, who has been filling in for Wilkinson since she left, as the front-runner,” an insider told the publication.
Lisa left the Nine network back in October after she failed to receive equal pay with her male co-host, Karl Stefanovic.
Woman’s Day recently divulged that Lisa was paid $1.1 million in comparison to Karl’s super-size salary, comprised of $2 million in wages and an extra $1 million for use of his image by Nine.
Despite the inequality, the former TV duo showed that there was no bad blood just last week.
Karl and Lisa stepped out for a friendly lunch together on October 31st.
“The best lunch today with this guy… @kstefanovic,” the mum-of-three wrote alongside the selfie.
Who knows what was on the menu, we’re secretly hoping Karl dished on his who his new colleague is!
