Tracy Grimshaw announces she is leaving A Current Affair

TV icon Tracy Grimshaw surprised viewers with the announcement that she was leaving A Current Affair on Monday night.

Tracy Grimshaw has announced that she is leaving A Current Affair.

The TV legend, 62, shared the news in an emotional speech at the end of Monday’s show.

She has hosted the Channel Nine program for 17 years.

“Normally right about now we’d be telling you what to expect tomorrow night but lately I’ve personally been thinking longer term, and I have some news that I wanted you to hear from me before you hear it from anyone else,” Grimshaw told viewers.

“I’ve decided to finish up with A Current Affair this year.

“It’s been a big decision and before the gossip websites start telling you rubbish, 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.

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Tracy Grimshaw will leave A Current Affair

“I’m not too old, I’m just a bit tired. And for the record both the boys and the girls have asked me to stay.

“But I’ve basically been a shift worker for 26 years, 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.”

“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.

Tracy Grimshaw at the 61st TV Week Logie Awards in 2019. Picture: Jerad Williams

“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. See you tomorrow night.”

Walkey Award-winner Grimshaw started out as a reporter for Nine in Melbourne in 1981.

She went on to host the Today show alongside Steve Liebmann and was on air for the breaking coverage of Princess Diana’s death.

Tracy Grimshaw on A Current Affair. Picture: Channel 9

She joined ACA in 2006 and has grilled veryone from Prime Ministers to A-listers.

Grimshaw intends to continue working after she comes back from a lengthy holiday.

Darren Wick, Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, said Grimshaw was “an inspiration” to work with.

“Tracy has decided now is the perfect time to leave the program,” he said.

“She is doing it on her own terms on her own timetable. Just as she has done throughout her whole career. And sadness because she is irreplaceable.

“I know we work in an industry where it’s often said that anyone can be replaced. But that’s not true with Trace. She is one of a kind.”