After several weeks of rumours and speculation, the new host of A Current Affair has finally been announced.
In September, Tracy Grimshaw announced she would be leaving the show after 17 long years in the hosting chair, with her last day at the program recapping her most memorable moments.
Now, it has been confirmed that the prestigious hosting spot will be filled by Ally Langdon.
After appearing on the Today Show alongside co-host Karl Stefanovic since January 2020, Langdon admits the new role is “daunting”, but is excited for the challenge.
She said, “It is such an incredible honour to be joining the A Current Affair team. A show I love, respect and have been watching since I was in school and Jana Wendt was host.”
“I won’t lie – it’s daunting to be stepping into the role that Tracy has so brilliantly navigated for the past 17 years, with such warmth and compassion. I hope to bring my own warmth and compassion to the show as we continue to tell great stories that matter to our amazing viewers.”
A Current Affair was created and originally hosted by Langdon’s late father-in-law Mike Willesee and she will be its sixth host.
Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Darren Wick, said, “Ally is a natural fit to lead A Current Affair into a new era. She was raised in the country and has a deep commitment to family, friends and community.”
“She’s passionate, curious and razor sharp – loyal to her colleagues, dedicated to her craft and determined to fight for her viewers. We’re very excited to see what Ally will bring to ACA in 2023 and for many, many years beyond.”
Ally is set to start hosting ACA in 2023.
Leaving a chair empty at the Today Show with her departure, Langdon will be replaced by 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo.
“I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful and hard-working team at Today, who manage to inform the nation every morning while also having a lot of fun,” said Abo.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside some of the country’s finest journalists at 60 Minutes and travel the nation and world bringing stories to Australian audiences. It is an absolute privilege to meet so many inspirational people and help tell their stories. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned from those amazing experiences into my new role at Today.
“The 3am alarm will be an adjustment, but I’m looking forward to keeping Karl on his toes. I know Ally will make a success of the move to ACA and I can’t wait to watch her in the chair.”
Image credits: Nine
This article first appeared on OverSixty.