In January 2023, former Today show host Allison Langdon made her debut behind the desk as host of A Current Affair following the departure of long-time host Tracy Grimshaw.
And it seems her decision to ditch breakfast television has paid off.
From the first official ratings period for 2023, Allison has significantly boosted ACA’s ratings. According to figures from the same day one year ago – when Tracy was still host – ratings have been beaten by roughly 30,000 viewers.
In the final week of ratings season, the show recorded its highest ratings episodes of the year with 1.1 million.
New marketing has been rolled out to promote the new host in “a new era”.
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It is clear to see Allison is a fan favourite among ACA viewers and she has definitely proved those who doubted her from the very moment she took on the role full time.
In her first episode, Allison sat down for an emotional interview with Kimbarlie O’Reilly, a victim of domestic abuse, who’s perpetrator – her former boyfriend – has recently been released from prison.
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At one point during the segment, O’Reilly apologised for be over-come with emotion, but Allison responded with support, saying, “Don’t apologise. This is really hard to talk about.”
Later on Ally told the young woman “You’re strong; you’re brave, and you’re a fighter.”
Ally was praised for showing genuine emotions during an interview with a victim of domestic violence.
(Image: A Current Affair)Viewers responded to the emotion filled piece with praise for Ally, with one Twitter user posting: “What a debut for Ally Langdon on @ACurrentAffair9 tonight. Leading with the issue of domestic violence & giving it the spotlight it needs… If this is the direction she is taking the show, I reckon I might watch more often.”
Comments on a video posted on A Current Affairs Instagram was also very complimentary, with one saying “Wooooo! Well done Ally! Nailed it” and another “Congratulations on this interview.”
The shows’ Facebook page also saw praise with one comment saying “Ally was 100 per cent the right choice.”
It was first confirmed In November 2022 that Allison would be leaving The Today Show, which she co-hosted for two years with Karl Stefanovic, to take on the coveted role.
When announcing Tracey Grimshaw’s replacement, Nine released a statement saying: “For over two decades, she’s been one of television’s most trusted voices with a world of experience. Fearless and razor sharp.
“In 2023, A Current Affair welcomes Ally Langdon. A new era.
“Ally has built her career on trust, empathy and a commitment to journalistic excellence.”
And it appears that this description of Ally was true to form.
