Frontrunners tipped to replace Tracy Grimshaw as A Current Affair host

TV legend Tracy Grimshaw’s shock announcement she’s quitting A Current Affair has left many wondering who’ll fill the long-running show’s hot seat. Who would you like to see replace her? Take our poll

Tracy Grimshaw’s shock announcement that she is quitting as host of A Current Affair after 17 years has left many wondering who will take her place.

The 62-year-old TV host revealed the news on-air at the conclusion of Monday’s program, citing tiredness and a taste for change.

“I want you to know it’s been my decision alone and I’m not being shoved out the door by the boys club because I’m too old,” she told viewers.

“I’m not too old, I’m just a bit tired. And for the record both the boys and the girls have asked me to stay.”

Grimshaw will leave the role in November and said she was “going to take a long holiday” before re-evaluating her next move.

Tracy Grimshaw at the 61st TV Week Logie Awards 2019 at The Star Gold Coast in Broadbeach. Picture: Jerad Williams

Nine insiders have indicated the network will not rush to fill the role, given it is one of the most coveted on air positions at the network.

“Everybody at the network would want the job,” said the executive.

“It is prime time and talks directly to the audience. It is their (host) show.

“Nine is in no rush, there are plenty of options and it will take time to find the right person. It is a hugely important show on the schedule and one that needs to be respected.”

Nine stars...... Deborah Knight, Georgie Gardner and Brooke Boney.

The Daily Telegraph has gone through Nine’s stable of talent to see who would be top of the list to take over the coveted ACA hot seat including regular fill-in Deb Knight and Leila McKinnon, who has also hosted the show.

Today co-host Karl Stefanovic would also be high on the list, although it is widely understood executives will be looking at a female replacement.

Other contenders Nine’s Georgie Gardner, Sylvia Jeffreys, and Brooke Boney.

And why not throw Erin Molan and Sam Armytage into the mix.

Erin Molan. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Karl Stefanovic and Samantha Armytage.

Sylvia Jeffreys.

Stefanovic, who used to co-host with Grimshaw on the Today show, wished her all the best.

“What a legend. I started out on this show with her 18 years ago. She is the best in the business,” he said.

“I had the great fortune working for her, for a year and she was exceptional. I learnt so much in that year.

“What a legend. She is a great person, too.”

Whoever is vying to replace the veteran journalist has big shoes to fill.

Originally published as Frontrunners tipped to replace Tracy Grimshaw as A Current Affair host