Tracy Grimshaw reveals ‘brutal’ advice given to her as a young reporter

The A Current Affair host has lifted the lid on the “brutal” advice she was given as a young reporter starting out at Nine.

Tracy Grimshaw has opened up about the “brutal” advice she was given by a cameraman early on in her career.

In an interview with Sydney talkback radio host Ray Hadley on Wednesday, the A Current Affair anchor revealed that she was told at the age of 21 that her career would be over within 20 years.

“Cameramen are quite brutal, quite blunt. They certainly don’t pull any punches,” Grimshaw, 62, told the 2GB host.

“This guy said to me, ‘You should marry that rich boyfriend that you’ve got, because you’re not going to have a long career because you certainly won’t be here when you’re 40.’”

Grimshaw explained to Hadley that it hadn’t bothered her, as she’d planned on being “out the door” by then anyway.

“I’m 21 years old and I am thinking, ‘Well 40 is pretty ancient … I want to be out the door when I’m 40 I reckon.’ And then I kind of liked it.”

Want to stream your news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Grimshaw started out as a reporter for Nine.

The Walkley Award-winner started out as a reporter for Nine in Melbourne in 1981. She went on to host the Today show alongside Steve Liebmann before joining A Current Affair in 2006.

She announced she was stepping down as host in September, sharing the news in an emotional speech at the end of the show.

“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.

She hosted ACA for 17 years. Picture: Nine

“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.

“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.”

It was recently reported that Nine bosses are on the cusp of announcing Grimshaw’s replacement, with two of the network’s prominent on-air talent making it down to the top final contenders.

According to the Sunday Telegraph, 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo is up against 2GB radio host and former Today host Deborah Knight for the coveted role.

Originally published as Tracy Grimshaw reveals ‘brutal’ advice given to her as a young reporter