TV stalwart Tracy Grimshaw announces her departure from A Current Affair

Tracy Grimshaw will step down as host of the prime-time show after 17 years, saying she wasn’t pushed but is tired and wants a long holiday.

A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw has announced she is leaving the program at the end of the year.

Tracy Grimshaw has quit as host of A Current Affair on the Nine network after 17 years.

On Monday night’s program the TV stalwart announced she would be stepping down from the prime-time role to take a long holiday.

Grimshaw said she wanted to make her on-air announcement, “before the gossip websites start telling you rubbish”.

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

“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.

“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.”

"Thank you for your loyalty. I hope I've repaid it."

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for gracing our screens.

You've repaid us endlessly @tracygrimshaw. #9ACApic.twitter.com/ivNSnQqrQ1

— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) September 5, 2022

Grimshaw, 62, who has been a journalist for more than 40 years, started her career as a reporter in Nine’s Melbourne newsroom in 1981 before she began presenting 9News daytime bulletins four years later.

In 1995 she joined the Midday Show and co-hosted it alongside David Reyne before moving on to become co-host of Today with Steve Liebmann in 1996.

She held that role for nine years before hosting ACA from January 30, 2006.

Grimshaw said on Monday that it was time for a change.

Tracy Grimshaw on the set of A Current Affair in 2006.

Tracy Grimshaw in 2008.

“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,” she said.

“It has been my privilege to host this show.

“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.”

Nine’s director of news and current Affairs, Darren Wick, thanked Grimshaw, describing her as “irreplaceable”.

“She is the best interviewer on television and has been for many years,” he said.

“And she will forever take her place alongside the greatest interviewers that Australian journalism has ever seen.

“Tracy is stepping away from A Current Affair at the peak of her powers.”

It is unclear who will replace Grimshaw.