A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw to step down after 17 years

A who’s who of female news anchors are in the running to replace A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw after she stepped aside.

A who’s who of female news anchors are in the running to replace A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw.

Grimshaw, 62, made the shock announcement on Monday that she would be stepping down after 17 years and finishing up in November.

Those in line for the plum gig are regular fill-ins Deb Knight and Leila McKinnon, as well as Today co-host Karl Stefanovic, although it is thought executives will be looking at a female replacement.

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

Tracy Grimshaw has been host for 17 years.

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.”

Grimshaw moved to ward of speculation, saying it was entirely her decision.

“Lately I have personally been thinking longer term, and I have some news that I wanted you to hear from me before you hear it from anyone,’’ she said.

“I’ve decided to finish up with A Current Affair this year, it’s been a big decision, huge actually … 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.

Leila McKinnon is a frontrunner to take the seat behind the desk. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Deborah Knight also already acts a fill-in for Grimshaw. Picture: Richard Dobson

“I’m not too old, I’m just a bit tired. For the record both the boys and girls have asked me to stay. But I’ve basically been a shift worker for 26 years now, driving to work before dawn for nine years on the Today Show and the past 17 years driving home after dark here on A Current Affair and it’s time for less of that daily obligation.”

Grimshaw, who grew up in Melbourne, said she would take a break.

In January 2006, she took over as A Current Affair host, replacing Ray Martin.

“I was just a kid in 1971 when Mike Willesee started it and in our family it was required viewing each night as Michael either forensically dismantled some politician or maybe laughed along with Hoges,’’ she said.

“Back then, I was going to be a vet or a flight attendant so if you’d told me that one day I’d sit in this chair, let alone occupy it for 17 years, I’d have thought you were mad. Well lucky me.

“You’ve let me indulge my love of interviewing here. I’ve talked to people who’ve made us all laugh and cry, who’ve shared their triumphs and their challenges and their wisdom and despair.

“And because it’s your show not mine and you get to vote each night with your remote control, you told us you wanted more of that. So thank you for that opportunity.

“Thank you for your loyalty. I hope I’ve repaid it. I’m around until November then I’m going to take a long holiday, but it’s business as usual until then.”