Allison Langdon’s interview with Daniel Andrews, dubbed as audition to replace Tracy Grimshaw on A Current Affair

The Today show host’s fiery grilling of Daniel Andrews shows she is “more than a match” for one of the toughest interviews in politics.

A heated interview between Today anchor Allison Langdon and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been described as the journalist’s “audition” to become the new host of Channel 9’s A Current Affair.

Last Monday, Mr Andrews appeared on the morning show to promote his State Electricity Commission in the lead up to the Victorian state election on November 26.

Daniel Andrews was grilled by Ally Langdon on the Today Show.

Instead, Langdon chose to grill the politician on corruption, integrity and transparency in relation to his recent interview with that Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission about his government awarding a $3.4 million contract to a union, known as Operation Daintree.

“I was thinking corruption. Matthew Guy went hard on that one yesterday. Is integrity and transparency important to you or not so much?” she said.

“Well can I just say Ally, I behave appropriately at all times. That’s the oath I swore. I get on everyday and deliver for the people of my great state,” the Premier responded.

However, Langdon continued to grill the Premier, asking him: “Do you deserve another term?”

Langdon confronted the Premier on issues involving corruption and his performance at the next election. Picture: Channel 9.

The Australian’s media editor Nick Tabakoff described Langdon’s interview as her “audition for A Current Affair”. This comes as Tracey Grimshaw announced she would be stepping down after 17 years in the role in early September.

Tabakoff said that Langdon “was making it very clear” that she was “more than a match for the man regarded as the toughest interviewee in Australian politics”.

“If Langdon’s ‘audition’ is successful and she wins the ACA gig, word is 60 Minutes’ Sarah Abo would then be favourite to move to Today,” wrote Tabakoff.

ACA contenders narrowed down

In October it was believed the top job has been narrowed between Abo and 2GB radio host and former Today host Deborah Knight, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

Previous names including Georgie Gardner, Leila McKinnon, Carrie Bickmore, Sarah Harris, Stan Grant, Melissa Doyle have also been listed as potential replacements.

Sarah Abo is also in the running to replace Tracy Grimshaw. Picture: Channel 9

2GB host Deborah Knight is also believed to be a contender. Picture: Channel 9

However, when it comes Langdon’s potential play for the hosting job, it’s a question that’s also been posed by radio shock jock, Kyle Sandilands as well.

Sandilands was being interviewed on the Today show last week about his radio co-host Jackie O stepping down to address ongoing health issues when he flipped the script.

“Are you doing A Current Affair? Just tell us. Have they spoken to you about A Current Affair?” he said.

Langdon answered his question with a joke.

Allison Langdon and Kyle Sandilands.

“I am going to do the Today show, do A Current Affair and coach the Wallabies … and I reckon I can be the Premier of Victoria,” she said.

When asked again, she continued to avoid the question.

“I think (ACA) might be Jackie’s gig,” said Langdon, referring to Sandilands’ co-host, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson.

Sandilands then made one last attempt to get a straight answer, asking her bluntly: “Are you doing it or not?”

“Far out!” Ally said, laughing, before Karl jumped in: “With all this questioning, he should be doing A Current Affair!”

Grimshaw’s emotional announcement

Grimshaw announced she would be stepping down from the program in early September, sharing an emotional speech with viewers.

“I’ve decided to finish up with A Current Affair this year,” she said.

“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.”

Tracy Grimshaw announced she was leaving A Current Affair on Monday night. Source: Channel 9.

Instead she clarified that “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,” she added.

“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.”