Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys moved on with ‘big project ahead’

First it was her husband Peter Stefanovic who was dumped from the Weekend Today show, then it was her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic. Now golden girl Sylvia Jeffreys has been moved on as newsreader from the morning breakfast show, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal.

• Lawyers called in as Karl’s stoush gets ugly
• Why Karl’s co-host demanded not to work with him

Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys will be moved off the battle-scarred breakfast show into prime time.

Nine yesterday confirmed speculation the exodus of Today stars would include Jeffreys. However, unlike her husband Peter Stefanovic she will remain with the network.

She will take on a yet-to-be-determined role. The network has said the project was in prime time and yesterday network head of news and current affairs Darren Wick said it was an “exciting new challenge”.

Sylvia Jeffreys is excited to work on bigger projects now she has been moved on from Today. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I’m thrilled to sink my teeth into a brand-new project,” Jeffreys said, speaking for the first time since the Today dramas began.

“Opportunity often knocks when you least expect it and I’m ready to dive right in to what’s ahead of me.

“I’ve loved and embraced every minute of my Today show chapter and feel humbled to have worked with so many passionate people — hosts, studio crew, cameramen and producers — who have become my great mates.”

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Mr Wick said Jeffreys was a valuable member of the Nine family.

“Sylvia has done a great job on Today, and while the team there will miss her, she is about to embark on an exciting new ­challenge. Watch this space in 2019,” he said.

“Sylvia is one of Nine’s hardest working, most talented and passionate journalists.”

Just two years ago, Jeffreys was considered Nine’s golden girl, with her Kangaroo Valley wedding branded “the wedding of Australia’s television sweethearts”, endearing her and husband Peter to their ­viewers.

It has been a domino affect since Karl Stefanovic was dumped from Today. Picture: Matrix

It has been revealed Stefanovic’s co-host Georgie Gardner had demanded he be moved on. Picture: Hollie Adams

The news surrounding Jeffreys comes just a few days after her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic was ousted as host of Today.

Other changes as part of the dramatic Today overhaul include bringing entertainment reporter Brooke Boney to work alongside Richard Wilkins.

This means every Today show talent who attended Karl and Jasmine Yarbrough’s Mexican wedding have been moved on from the program. However Nine ­insists Wilkins will still work on Today.

Today’s sports reporter Tim Gilbert will also leave the show, with the journalist’s contract being paid out by the network.

Her wedding to Peter Stefanvoic was branded as “the wedding of Australia’s television sweethearts”. Picture: Instagram/@sylviajeffreys

Despite taking a step back from his position as entertainment editor, Wilkins has shown support for his replacement.

“The entertainment beat just continues to get bigger and bigger all the time and it’s no longer a one-man job, and with the show having a complete reset I’m thrilled and delighted to be welcoming Brooke on board,” ­Wilkins said.

Today Extra host Richard Wilkins with Brooke Boney will work alongside him to deliver entertainment news for Today. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“She has a fresh energy, new ideas and enthusiasm to join us at the Today show.

“I’m continuing to work on Today and Today Extra, as I’ve been doing for some time, and other platforms within our expanding media company.”

Boney was just as gushing.

“It’s an incredible opportunity and I really feel like I’m joining a family,” she said.

“I went around to Dickie’s house yesterday for a beer to celebrate and had some of the famous bruschetta.

“I feel I’ve got a lot to learn from Dickie.”