Changing is a-coming at the Today Show in 2020, with Channel Nine today revealing they have totally revamped the lineup for the breakfast TV show, with a host of new stars joining co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Alison Langdon in the new decade.
Following the announcement last month that Karl would be returning to his old job alongside Alison, a well-respected 60 Minutes alumni, an entirely new team was unveiled this morning.
At the same time, Nine revealed several old favourite hosts would also be leaving the show.
So, who’s staying and who’s going?
Keep on scrolling for the full list of hosts set to lead Today in 2020, as well as those who have taken on new roles within the Channel Nine family.
Alison Langdon and Karl Stefanovic will front the new-look Today in 2020.
(Credit: Instagram)WHO’S IN
Karl Stefanovic
In 2018, Karl was unceremoniously dumped as the host of Today, following months of bad publicity over the fallout from his divorce with Cassandra Thorburn and new marriage to Jasmine Yarbrough. But a year later, Nine bosses called Karl back in to host the show in 2020.
The 45-year-old confirmed the news last month, revealing even he was surprised by the move.
“I am as shocked about this as everyone else,” Karl told The Sydney Morning Herald.
He revealed he didn’t think he’d be given the opportunity to host Today again.
“I thought my time was up, but then, when I was sounded out about it, it got me thinking,” he said, calling it a “big job with enormous pressures”… “but also without question the best live TV job in Australia.”
Karl, who already has three children with his ex Cass, reportedly has another little one on the way, with his wife Jasmine expected to publicly announce her pregnancy shortly.
Allison Langdon
Ally, as she is known among friends and colleagues at Nine, has been with the network for almost 20 years, after joining as a producer for Nightline in 2001.
She has held various hosting gigs at Nine and has worked as a reporter and host on both Today and Weekend Today over the years, as well as a long stint on 60 Minutes.
The 40-year-old, who is married to fellow journalist Michael Willesee, has two young children, a two-year-old son and nine-month-old daughter.
Of her new “work husband”, Allison says the pair don’t always agree and are happy to let that play out on air.
“We are great mates but I don’t always agree with everything he says … and he knows that,” she told the Herald, adding, “I can promise you we won’t be boring”.
When asked about the constant scrutiny that comes with heading up Today, she said that is “just noise” that she intends to block out.
“My focus is on delivering three-and-a-half hours of live television every morning, on sharing the stories in our unique way, drawing on our combined experience and creating something new.”
Tracy Vo has worked at Nine since 2007 and currently works in the Perth newsroom.
(Credit: Instagram)
Jayne Azzopardi (left), Tracy Vo (centre) and Sylvia Jeffreys (right) are firm friends who met at Nine years ago.
(Credit: Instagram)Tracy Vo
Tracy will step into the newsreader role vacated by Tom Steinfort.
The 35-year-old is an experienced reporter, having been with the network since 2007, and since 2012 she’s been reading the news in Perth.
She’s also good mates with former Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys.
Brooke Boney
The beloved former Triple J breakfast newsreader is the only current member of the hosting lineup who will retain her job in 2020.
Brooke will stay on as Today’s resident entertainment reporter.
Tim Davies
Today’s veteran weatherman Stevie Jacobs has been replaced by Sydney reporter Tim Davies, who viewers will recognise from Weekend Today.
Alex Cullen
Following the departure of sporting host Tony Jones in November, former Sunday Night journo Alex Cullen has switched networks from Channel Seven and will join the team as sports reporter.
Jayne Azzopardi
The popular Sydney news reporter, who has long been a presenter on Weekend Today, will continue to present the Weekend Today news.
The star is currently heavily pregnant with her first child and expected to pop any day now, so Lara Vella will cover for her while she is on maternity leave.
Lauren Phillips
Former Myer ambassador Lauren Phillips has done lots of presenting work with Nine over the years and has now come on board officially as the weekend weather presenter.
Sylvia Jeffreys
The former Today newsreader, who moved from the show on to A Current Affair when Karl was dumped last year, will return to her morning TV roots as co-host of Today Extra alongside David Campbell, replacing Sonia Kruger following her move to Channel Seven.
Sylvia, who is married to Karl’s brother Peter Stefanovic, is currently pregnant with her first child. Belinda Russell will cover for Sylvia while she is on maternity leave.
Lauren Phillips, pictured here with tennis star Dylan Alcott, has worked with Channel Nine for years.
(Credit: Instagram)WHO’S OUT
Georgie Gardner
Following the announcement that Karl and Allison would be taking over hosting duties in 2020, it became clear that Georgie Gardner would not be a part of the new Today lineup next year.
“I was consulted two weeks ago about the future direction of the Today show, and naturally I’m disappointed with the outcome,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald at the time.
“It was a privilege to work on the Today show for nine years, I learned a lot. I have no regrets, even though the scrutiny and public discourse has been daunting and disproportionate. It’s also at times been cruel.”
She will now present the weekend news on Nine.
Deb Knight
In November it was revealed Deb would not return to the Today show upon Karl’s return and she will host Afternoons on 2GB.
The axed Today 2019 team – Brooke Honey, Tom Steinfort, Deb Knight, Georgie Gardner and Tony Jones.
(Credit: Channel Nine)
Tom Steinfort pictured at this August wedding with wife Claudia Jukic.
(Credit: Instagram)Tom Steinfort
The popular newsreader, whose lavish Croatia wedding to fashion stylist Claudia Jukic made headlines back in August, will step down from his role at Today and head back to 60 Minutes as a reporter.
“Am very much looking forward to returning to @60Mins in 2020,” Tom wrote on Twitter.
“Will be great to work with my friends there again, covering the big stories in Australia and around the world! ⏱.”
Tom added: “A big thank you to the wonderful team at @TheTodayShow, who I loved working with this year. And a special thanks to our loyal viewers, who are so passionately engaged in the program. All the best to the great new crew, I’ll be watching….after enjoying a bit of a sleep in!
WATCH BELOW: Sylvia Jeffreys says her ousting from Today was testing. Story continues after video.
Richard Wilkins
The entertainment guru will now get his weekdays back and will instead co-host Weekend Today with The Footy Show and Ninja Warrior Australia host Rebecca Maddern.
Steve Jacobs
The veteran weather man has been replaced by Lauren Phillips, as mentioned above.
Today will return to Channel Nine from January 6.
