“Thanks for the laughs, the sage advice, the calmness…”

"Seeing is believing for young girls and what they see in Lisa is a strong, influential, fun and compassionate woman." #9Today pic.twitter.com/YQaWEXm6fu

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 16, 2017

Nine may have removed her swipe card at 5:05pm but the team at Today made a classy tribute this morning to Lisa Wilkinson, who departed without the chance to farewell viewers.

“For ten years Lisa has dragged herself out of bed in the morning, fed the dogs and cats, put a load of washing on, come into work and sat at my left to inform you at home about what’s happening in the world.

“For ten years she handled those brutal, brutal hours with grace, beauty, intelligence and a wicked, wicked sense of humour.

“For whatever reason, she won’t be doing that anymore and it was a surprise to us all. It’s safe to say we were all a little bit shocked and it will take a little while to sink in,” he added.

“So for now, just this, Lisa. Thank you. Thank you for the laughs, the sage advice, the calmness -oh the calmness!

“And thank you for all your support. Thank you for being a great colleague. Thanks for being a great interviewer. Thanks for being a great dancer and a truly, truly terrible singer. Thanks for being a great mum. I know you value that more than anything else. And thank you for being a great friend.

“The rest I will leave for when I see you. But wherever you go and whatever you do, you do so having made your mark on this man.

“And mostly you go with my love, all my love. We will see you soon, maybe after midday. Enjoy the sleep-ins.”

Richard Wilkins, Tim Gilbert and Deborah Knight all paid tribute to their colleague while Sylvia Jeffreys said, “Seeing is believing for young girls and for young women, and what they see in Lisa is a strong, influential, fun and compassionate woman at the very top of her game, and that is a powerful thing.”