Australia was shocked when long-time Today show host Lisa Wilkinson announced her sudden departure from the breakfast program last week, ending a 10-year run.
Over reports of a pay-gap dispute, Nine and Lisa’s management couldn’t come to an agreement for her contract renewal.
Soon after she made the announcement on Twitter, it was revealed that she was defecting to TEN to co-host The Project with Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar.
Lisa’s Today colleagues were saddened and surprised by her departure, especially Sylvia Jeffreys.
At the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year awards yesterday, Sylvia told Confidential that she hadn’t known Lisa was leaving.
“I heard about it the same time that everyone else did,” she said.
“It was as big of a shock to me as it was to everyone else. I felt surprised.”
Since Lisa left, Sylvia said the network (which is still looking for a new host to fill Lisa’s void) has been business as usual.
“It has been a really calm week,” she confessed.
“The rest of us have been working for together for a really long time and the show does not change.
“We are focused on delivering the news, sport and entertainment and everything in between and that is how it roles,” she added.
Sylvia, who is good friends with Lisa, said she’s still very much supportive of her future.
“I am thrilled for her because she is thrilled, so it is all good,” she said.
The morning after Lisa shared her news, Sylvia took a moment on Today to congratulate her friend.
“I did speak privately with Lisa last night and I thanked her and I congratulated her because ultimate this is an exciting time for Lisa,” Sylvia explained.
“It is a start of a brilliant and exciting new chapter and I will be cheering her on as I always do as she takes on this next challenge.”
