Georgie Gardner’s salary ‘approaching $1 million mark’

She’s stepping up to the Today desk after Lisa Wilkinson sensationally exited the breakfast show over an equal pay dispute.

And despite her predecessor’s controversial departure, Georgie Gardner will make just under half the salary of her male counterpart, a new report has claimed.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that Georgie will pocket a pay packet ‘approaching the $1 million mark’ while Karl takes home at least $2 million a year. 

How Channel Nine got their golden girl: Network ‘convinced’ Georgie Gardner to take Today gig with salary ‘approaching the $1 million mark’

On Monday, The Australian reported that Georgie was being offered $750,000 for the Today hosting role, a $250,000 pay rise on her current salary.

The publication previously claimed Karl made between $2 and $3 million annually depending on ratings. 

But on Thursday, The Daily Telegraph reported that Georgie would be earning substantially more than $750,000.

Report: The Australian reported that Georgie was being offered $750,000 for the Today hosting role, a $250,000 pay rise on her current salary 

Confirmed: On Thursday it was finally revealed that Georgie would be joining Today as their new host 

Confirmed: On Thursday it was finally revealed that Georgie would be joining Today as their new host 

The popular journalist was ‘convinced’ to take the gig when the network lifted her salary to be ‘approaching the $1 million mark’, the newspaper claimed. 

Before her exit Lisa was reportedly taking home a salary of $1.1 million, substantially less than Karl. 

Last month she sensationally quit the Today show after Channel Nine refused to give her pay parity with Karl.

Claim: The popular journalist was 'convinced' to take the gig when the network lifted her salary to be 'approaching the $1 million mark'

Claim: The popular journalist was ‘convinced’ to take the gig when the network lifted her salary to be ‘approaching the $1 million mark’

The former Cleo editor has jumped ship to Network 10 and will appear on The Project in 2018,  

Meanwhile after being confirmed as the show’s new host on Thursday, Georgie told TV Week she was looking forward to being reunited with Karl on-screen.

The Channel Nine personality praised Karl’s ‘huge heart’ and said she expected them to form a strong relationship.

Replacement: Georgie is stepping into the hosting gig after Lisa sensationally quit last month 

Replacement: Georgie is stepping into the hosting gig after Lisa sensationally quit last month 

‘Karl really is at the top of his field and while yes, he can be a larrikin, he can sometimes go too far, he can be a loose cannon, all of that, but he is also incredibly entertaining,’ Georgie said.  

The popular TV journalist also said she was excited to learn from Karl.

‘He is a consummate presenter of the big breaking news stories, he is so skilled, he has this wonderful ability to get to the essence of the story and disseminate the information live and unscripted like no other, quite frankly,’ Georgie said. 

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment.  

Working together: The Channel Nine personality praised Karl's 'huge heart' and said she expected to form a strong relationship on screen

Working together: The Channel Nine personality praised Karl’s ‘huge heart’ and said she expected to form a strong relationship on screen

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk