Entertainment

Sylvia Jeffreys to join A Current Affair after Today show departure

Feb 05, 2019

Sylvia Jeffreys originally announced she was leaving the Today show in December. Source: Getty

Sylvia Jeffreys is joining A Current Affair following her shock departure from the Today show last December, Nine has confirmed.

In a statement to Starts at 60, the network said the 32-year-old would be working across “a few departments”, including the Tracy Grimshaw-led evening program. While her role on the show is yet to be confirmed, it’s likely she’ll be reporting on some of the breaking stories directly in the field.

“Sylvia is working on some projects close to her heart across a few departments, including A Current Affair. We’ll have more to announce soon,” a Nine spokesperson said.

Sylvia originally announced she was leaving the Today show in December. Her exit follows that of her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic, who was reportedly axed from the show, long-standing entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, who has been moved over to Today Extra, and former sports reporter Tim Gilbert.

Sylvia’s husband, former Weekend Today host Peter Stefanovic, also announced that he was leaving the Nine Network last year.

“I’ve loved and embraced every minute of my Today show chapter and feel humbled to have worked with so many passionate people — hosts, studio crew, cameramen and producers — who have become my great mates,” she said in a statement at the time. “There are few shows that are fortunate to have such an engaged audience, and I thank our viewers for inviting me into their homes day after day.

“I’m thrilled to sink my teeth into a brand new project. Opportunity often knocks when you least expect it and I’m ready to dive right in to what’s ahead of me,” concluded Sylvia, who started working on the program in 2014.

The network’s head of current affairs and news Darren Wick previously told The Daily Telegraph Sylvia would be moved into a prime time role to capitalise on her popularity with viewers.

In a separate statement he praised the Brisbane-born reporter for her dedication to the job over the four years she’s anchored the Today news desk.

“Sylvia is one of Nine’s hardest-working, most talented and passionate journalists,” Darren said. “After a humble start as a junior in our Brisbane newsroom many years ago, her tireless work ethic propelled her through the reporting ranks to become the national face of 9News with the Today show.

“She’s also become an agenda-setter and a leading voice for women with her commentary on Today and 9Honey. Sylvia has done a great job on Today, and while the team there will miss her, she’s about to embark on an exciting new challenge. Watch this space in 2019.”

It comes after the Today show underwent a dramatic shake up with a new line-up which includes returning Georgie Gardner, alongside new faces Deborah Knight, Brooke Boney and Tony Jones.