Georgie Gardner announced as Lisa Wilkinson’s replacement

After weeks of heavy speculation, it’s now been officially  announced that that Georgie Gardner will be Lisa Wilkinson’s replacement on the Today show.

The announcement was made on Thursday morning with Georgie saying, ‘Can I say I’m deeply honoured to take this on. You know, there’s no bigger, better gig in Australian TV.

‘To know that there’s that platform, that wonderful opportunity to hopefully reconnect with viewers in every corner of this country, to get them engaged,’ she continued.  

 It’s a deal! Georgie Gardner announced as Lisa Wilkinson’s replacement after it was reported her new Today show salary will be just over a QUARTER of co-host Karl Stefanovic’s $2 million

‘To entertain them, to inform them. To put a spotlight on issues that your passionate about that is of national interest that we’re passionate about.  

‘It’s most extraordinary opportunity. It’s not lost on me. Of course, you know, big shoes to fill. I know acutely how much love and respect there has been for Lisa. 

‘She will always be part of Today Show landscape as will the women who went before her. It’s an enormous role. I’m deeply grateful. Can’t wait to get started,’ Georgie continued. 

Welcome back! The announcement was made on Thursday morning with Georgie saying, ‘Can I say I’m deeply honoured to take this on. You know, there’s no bigger, better gig in Australian TV

 ‘It’s great to have Georgie back. I think the best thing about her, is her heart. Viewers know she cares, ‘ Karl Stefanovic added. 

‘She is connected to what other mums are going through and really feels for them – and she’s got a wicked sense of humour. 

Great to have her back! ‘It’s great to have Georgie back. I think the best thing about her, is her heart. Viewers know she cares, ‘ Karl Stefanovic added

‘She’s also very committed to making sure information is right, in an age where it’s not in a lot of news sources, that’s a great attribute to have,’ the Today show host added gushing his new co-host with praise. 

But it seems the new gig may have come at a price, with reports on Monday revealing the 46-year-old will be paid less than half of co-host Karl Stefanovic’s reported $2 million.  

Team applause! Sylvia Jeffries, Karl Stefanovic, Deborah Knight and Richard Wilkins congratulate Georgie’s new appointment

According to The Australian, the TV journalist currently cashes in $500,000 and has been offered a $750,000 for the new gig. 

‘It is understood Nine has offered Gardner a contract worth at least $750,000 a year, a big lift on her current five-year deal, which was negotiated by former Nine chief executive David Gyngell and worth about $500,000 a year,’ they said.

And along with Georgie’s reported pay rise, the publication added Syliva Jeffreys had also managed to get herself a ‘salary bump’. 

‘Highly regarded news presenter Sylvia Jeffreys, meanwhile, has also agreed on terms for a new three-year contract, including a salary bump, as part of wider line-up changes, with [current fill in Deborah] Knight also earning a more lucrative deal. 

Everyone’s getting a review: ‘Highly regarded news presenter Sylvia Jeffreys, meanwhile, has also agreed on terms for a new three-year contract, including a salary bump, as part of wider line-up changes

A nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that they ‘won’t be commenting on this one’.  

The news comes after Georgie was spotted on Sunday with documents in her hand as she left her lawyer’s home. 

Donning a casual denim dress and makeup free complexion, the mum-of-two grasped onto the multiple sheets and made her way to her SUV.

Something to sign? The news comes after Georgie was spotted on Sunday with documents in her hand as she left her lawyer’s home 

But their on-screen chemistry might be a work in progress, with a Channel Nine staff member revealing over the weekend the pair were forced to ‘clear the air’ at lunch during the week.   

‘They were keen to make it work for Georgie because she really is the best person for that role,’ one staff member reported to the Sydney Morning Herald.

‘She’s f***ing tough, let me tell you, she doesn’t take s**t from anyone. More importantly, she’s been a journo for years.

‘She has a strong news background and she’s more than capable of doing political interviews as well as the banter.’ 

Not going to be messed around: ‘She’s f***ing tough, let me tell you, she doesn’t take s**t from anyone,’ reported an insider

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk