Sylvia Jeffreys takes the chair at Today

Nine confirmed this morning that Weekend Today‘s Sylvia Jeffreys will become its weekday news presenter, following the departure of Georgie Gardner after seven years.

“It is a huge privilege to be stepping into this role. I’ve been a part of the Today family in one way or another for four years. I love the team and I am thrilled to become a permanent fixture on the show,” Jeffreys said.

“I have tremendous respect for Georgie Gardner as a colleague. She has also been a wonderful friend and a generous mentor to me. She leaves the biggest of shoes to fill.”

Executive Producer, Mark Calvert, said: “The role of the Today show’s news presenter carries with it great responsibility. They are often the first person Australia turns to when breaking news hits –from here and around the world.

“Georgie Gardner has done the job for seven years with aplomb. She has developed the role and made it her own and we can’t thank her enough for her grace, warmth and humour every single morning. She’s definitely one of a kind.

“But we could think of no one better suited to step into the job than Sylvia. She’s a talented journalist with a great personality and natural hosting ability. She’s already part of the Today show family, so we’re thrilled to be able to bring her on full time as Today’s news presenter. I know the team are equally delighted, and I can’t wait for our viewers to get to know her.”

Jeffrey started her television career with Nine in Brisbane before transferring to Sydney. Since 2012 she has filed stories for Nine News, been the Today show’s Sydney reporter, co-hosted Weekend Today and presented the weather on Sydney news bulletins.

Her latest move will see Wendy Kingston return from maternity leave to take over the weekend role.