Sylvia Jeffreys confirms she’s leaving Today

Popular Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys has confirmed she’s no longer waking up with Today, just days after Karl Stefanovic’s dramatic exit.

Sylvia Jeffreys has confirmed she won’t be part of the Today show lineup in 2019.

The popular newsreader put an end to days of speculation that she would be the next to go, following former co-host Karl Stefanovic’s sacking earlier this week.

In a statement, Jeffreys, 32, told the Daily Telegraph that although she will not return to Today, she - like Stefanovic - will remain within the network. It’s understood she will be moved into a prime time role.

“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. There are few shows that are fortunate to have such an engaged audience, and I thank our viewers for inviting me into their homes day after day,” she said.

“I’m thrilled to sink my teeth into a brand new project. Opportunity often knocks when you least expect it and I’m ready to dive right in to what’s ahead of me.”

Jeffreys (left) and Stefanovic have both left the Today show.

Jeffreys was brought over from the newsroom to replace the show’s former newsreader, Georgie Gardner, back in 2014.

In a separate statement, Darren Wick - Nine’s director of news and current affairs - praised her for her “tireless work ethic”.

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

“After a humble start as a junior in our Brisbane newsroom many years ago, her tireless work ethic propelled her through the reporting ranks to become the national face of 9News with the Today show... Sylvia has done a great job on Today, and while the team there will miss her, she’s about to embark on an exciting new challenge.”

No further detail about her new role was given, with Wick simply advising viewers to “watch this space.”

Tracy Vo, a Perth-based Nine journalist, is tipped to replace Jeffreys as newsreader on the breakfast show in 2019.

It’s certainly been a tumultuous week at Today.

After Stefanovic’s dramatic axing, it was announced on Friday that former Triple J newsreader Brooke Boney will appear on Today in 2019 as an entertainment reporter.

A spokesman for the show insisted Boney wasn’t replacing Richard Wilkins, but would instead work under him, while he shifted his focus to Today Extra.

Richard Wilkins’ role is also changing. Photo: Annette Dew

Meanwhile, Jeffreys’ husband, Weekend Today co-host Peter Stefanovic, revealed he was parting ways with Nine just five days ago.

It comes as Wick also opened up to the Sydney Morning Herald about why the network had decided to sack Karl Stefanovic while he was on his honeymoon.

The Today star was brutally dumped from the show he’s co-hosted for 14 years on Wednesday while holidaying in Aspen with his new wife, Jasmine Yarbrough.

“Up until very recently Karl was going to be part of Today in 2019 and we thought we could ride out the negative attention he was receiving,” Wick told the publication.

But Stefanovic’s highly publicised wedding in Mexico proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for Nine.

Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough tie the knot. Picture: Supplied

“The wedding showed the negative noise was not going anywhere and it was time for us and for Karl to take a rest … to have a breather,” Wick said. “We truly believe this is what is best for both the show and for Karl.

“There was no reason for us to wait any longer once we had made the decision. We spoke with Karl’s management, and I’ve got to say it has been pretty amicable.

“There was no point waiting another couple of weeks.”

Wick told the Herald that Today show personalities Richard Wilkins, Sylvia Jeffreys and Georgie Gardner were all told about Nine’s decision to dump Stefanovic before the press release was sent out.

“Despite the Ubergate stuff, Karl and Georgie did develop a good working relationship,” Wick said. “Naturally Georgie was very keen to know what was happening and we made sure everyone knew before we went public.”

Insiders have claimed that Georgie hates Karl. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Stefanovic, who remains contracted to Channel 9 and will continue to host This Time Next Year, flew back into Sydney on Friday with Jasmine Yarbrough and was all smiles at the airport.

“I suppose, as they say, a change is as good as a holiday, I’m looking forward to getting back to work,” Stefanovic told The Daily Telegraph. “I’m moving forward with a sense of excitement about what’s to come.”

Karl Stefanovic arrives in Sydney.

Channel 9 will launch a revamped Today show on January 14 and viewers can expect it to be vastly different.

The breakfast show’s new executive producer, Steve Burling, is understood to be finalising a cutthroat plan not to just tweak things, but tear them down completely.

It’s understood sports presenter Tim Gilbert may also be dropped from Today in the coming weeks.

Pete Stefanovic has left Channel 9 and Sylvia Jeffreys has moved off the Today show.

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