Georgie Gardner trolled over Today show exit
Georgie Gardner was branded a “failure” by a Twitter troll just days after abruptly leaving Channel 9’s Today. But the dumped host refused to take the bait.
Confidential
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Georgie Gardner took the high road after being attacked by a social media troll this week.
Days after she was brutally replaced by Karl Stefanovic on Channel 9’s Today, the veteran TV presenter was criticised by a Twitter user.
The troll tweeted: “@GeorgieG, you got paid a sh** load of cash to maintain #9Today ratings, not to indulge in your progressive views. You failed dismally, trashing the shows ratings. You got paid for failure and you now have attitude? #auspol #sunrise.”
Gardner simply responded: “I wish you well @HelpRodger.”
The awkward exchange comes after Gardner announced last week she was leaving Today nearly two years after she replaced Lisa Wilkinson.
Gardner and co-host Deborah Knight became the first female duo to front a breakfast TV show this year and suffered consistently low ratings.
In a statement, Gardner said she was “disappointed” with the outcome after learning she and knight will be replaced with Stefanovic and Weekend Today’s Allison Langdon in 2020.
I wish you well @HelpRodger https://t.co/V5hYSHTxHt
— Georgie Gardner (@GeorgieG) November 11, 2019
“I was consulted two weeks ago about the future direction of the Today Show, and naturally I’m disappointed with the outcome,” she told 9 Now.
“However I’m very proud to have been part of an innovative and progressive programming decision – the first female hosting duo in Australian breakfast television.
“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,”
Gardner left the show immediately last week, leaving Knight to co-host alongside Today newsreader Tom Steinfort on Monday morning.
“We wanted to acknowledge our colleague and friend Georgie Gardner,” Knight said.
“You might have read over the weekend that Georgie has left the Today show. After a really challenging year we want to wish Georgie all the very best.”
Steinfort added: “She has been a committed and passionate member of the team here. I think particularly when she’s been sharing the stories of every day Australians who are doing it tough; these are issues that she wanted to focus on.”
