Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner are noticeably absent from the Today show’s Christmas party after being sacked – as Tom Steinfort and Brooke Boney celebrate with the team
Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner did not attend the Today show’s Christmas party at Altum Restaurant in Milsons Point, Sydney, on Saturday.
Despite hosting the show for most of 2019, the recently-sacked pair were nowhere to be seen as more than 40 staff members – including on-air talent – posed for a group photo.
When asked to confirm whether or not Deborah and Georgie had attended, a Nine spokesperson declined to comment and said it was a ‘private event’.
Where were they? Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie Gardner (right) appeared to miss the Today show’s Christmas party at Altum Restaurant in Milsons Point, Sydney on Saturday
In the picture, newsreader Tom Steinfort and entertainment reporter Brooke Boney smiled alongside their behind-the-scenes colleagues.
Brooke sat on a table towards the back, blending with the editors, producers and crew members. Meanwhile, Tom reclined near the front while giving the thumbs-up.
Deborah and Georgie, who had hosted the Today show together from January until November before being axed, were conspicuously absent.
Group: Despite hosting the show for most of the year, the recently axed pair were nowhere to be seen as newsreader Tom Steinfort (circled, below), entertainment reporter Brooke Boney (circled, above) and over 40 members of the team posed for a celebratory group picture
Party time: Another picture shows Tom (left) and Today segment producer Sophie Gilbert enjoying a friendly chat while posing with nine colleagues in front of Sydney Harbour
Another picture shows Tom and Today segment producer Sophie Gilbert enjoying a friendly chat while posing with nine colleagues in front of Sydney Harbour.
Today contributor Taylor Jane Haynes certainly got into the party spirit on Saturday, and was professionally made over by a glam squad in preparation.
The bar tab appeared to be unlimited at the event, with two employees posing for a picture with multiple drinks, which Today’s official Instagram page ‘liked’.
Celebration: Today contributor Taylor Jane Haynes (right) certainly got into the party spirit on Saturday, and was professionally made over by a glam squad in preparation
Having fun: The bar tab appeared to be unlimited at the event, with two employees posing for a picture with multiple drinks, which Today’s official Instagram page ‘liked’
Georgie left Today on November 8, after it was confirmed both herself and Deborah had been axed to make way for Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon in 2020.
Deborah has remained on the panel for now, with Tom acting as her co-host.
Nine confirmed last month that Karl and Allison would replace Georgie and Deborah in January, as the show faces yet another shake-up amid declining ratings.
Speaking to 9Now in November, Georgie appeared shocked by the network’s decision to axe herself and co-host Deborah to reinstate Karl.
‘I was consulted two weeks ago about the future direction of the Today show and naturally I’m disappointed with the outcome,’ said Georgie.
Changes: Deborah and Georgie’s absence in the group picture was hard to miss, after the pair hosted the Today show together from January until November, before they were axed
Fresh: Nine confirmed last month that Karl Stefanovic (right) and Allison Langford (left) would replace Georgie and Deborah in January, as the show faces yet another shake-up