Lisa Wilkinson jokes on first public appearance since quitting Nine

LISA Wilkinson couldn’t help herself. The former Today host cracked jokes in her first public outing since quitting Nine. Her appearance was in stark contrast to her former co-star of a decade, Karl Stefanovic.

“HELLO, my name is Lisa Wilkinson and I’m from, oh wait, I’m from nowhere at the moment.”

The television star, who for the last 10 years has introduced herself as the face of the Today show, made her first public appearance this afternoon since her shock departure from Channel Nine earlier this week.

“Has everyone had a good week? she asked the 700-strong crowd. “Mine’s been interesting,” she added to cheers and laughter.

Lisa Wilkinson was all smiles at the event held at the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Peter Rae

Lisa Wilkinson cracked jokes on her first public appearance since leaving Channel Nine. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Despite a headline-making few days, Wilkinson fronted up to host an event for Moet and Chandon at the Opera House today, emceeing the French champagne house’s successful world record attempt for the largest champagne tasting ever held.

Wilkinson was radiant in white and looked a million dollars. Or perhaps, $2.3 million dollars after her stunning pay coup and defection to Channel Ten.

Wilkinson announced the move on Monday night, just 45 minutes after her shock resignation from Nine.

Karl Stefanovic takes out the trash at his Mosman home. Picture: John Grainger

“I’m tasting success,” she said to the crowd when sipping the fine wine, before raising her glass and adding with a smirk, “here’s to success everyone.”

Wilkinson’s beaming smile and champagne-quaffing appearance at the event was in stark contrast to her former co-star of a decade, Karl Stefanovic who was pictured taking out the bins at his Mosman home.

The 57-year-old, who has enjoyed a week of sleep-ins while Stefanovic rose to host the show alongside fill-in Deb Knight, looked radiant as she addressed the crowd.

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With word she is now the highest paid woman in Australian television, the mum-of-three suggested she has had had more than a few celebratory drinks this week.

“Moet & Chandon is synonymous with royal jubilees, coronations, celebrations … and new job opportunities,” she said.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

“I’m not an official Moet and Chandon employee, even though I’m kind of unemployed at the moment,” she quipped.