Gossip Queen: Georgie says Today show pick ‘about time for women’

Georgie Gardner has spoken of her delight at the appointment of Deborah Knight as her Today co-host, saying she was involved in the choice and it was “about time” two women were leading the show.

Georgie Gardner has spoken of her delight at the appointment of Deborah Knight as her Today co-host, saying it was “about time” women were leading the show.

And she confirmed she had been consulted about who she would be comfortable working with following the departure of Karl Stefanovic.

“It is about time, don’t you think?” Gardner said on Saturday of the move to have two women fronting the show.

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Today show hosts Deb Knight and Georgie Gardner. Picture: Alex Coppel

“They have been doing it in the States for years.

“The fact that Deb is female is just a coincidence.

“The decision-makers were looking for someone with the right credentials and, the fact that she is female, I think, is an added bonus. But make no mistake, there is nothing tokenistic about this appointment. It was the right person for the job and I am thrilled.”

Gardner, who returned from a two-week family holiday in Japan on Friday, said she did offer her opinion on who should replace Stefanovic.

“I was consulted, without question. After all it is a very unique relationship to be sharing a desk with someone for three-and-a-half hours from 5.30 in the morning,” Gardner said.

“You can understand that out of respect I was brought into the consultation.”

Gardner said she had been in contact with Stefanovic following his sudden exit from the breakfast program.

Georgie Gardner with former Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic. Picture: David Caird

“Karl and I have had a good chat,” she said. “Karl and I had a lot of fun on that show together. I was on the desk for seven years as news presenter and obviously a year hosting together.

“He and I know each other very well. I have a lot of love for him and we have a very solid friendship and respect and I am excited for him in terms of the next chapter of his personal and professional life.

“He and I have chatted extensively and there certainly never has been bad blood, despite what has been written, and there certainly isn’t now.”

She described Knight, her new co-host, as a “great girl”.

The new Today crew: Entertainment reporter Brooke Boney, newsreader Tom Steinfort, hosts Deb Knight and Georgie Gardner and sports newsreader Tony Jones. Picture: Alex Coppel

“We have known each other a long time. She is not only a really astute and highly regarded journo but she is just a great girl,” Gardner said.

“She is incredibly down-to-earth, has a great sense of humour. She is rock solid and to have her as a co-host, I think is incredibly valuable to the show, but also inspires great confidence in me because if you need a strong, capable, reliable wing person she is it. We are really lucky to have her.”

The new-look Today show will launch on Monday.

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