Sylvia Jeffreys confirms she’s leaving Today

The Nine Network’s golden girl Sylvia Jeffreys has announced she will not return to Today in 2019.

Jeffreys’ exit follows that of her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic, who was axed from the show on Wednesday, and long-standing entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, who has been moved over to Today Extra.

Jeffreys husband Peter Stefanovic announced on Tuesday that he was leaving the Nine Network altogether after an illustrious 15-year career at the station as a host and foreign correspondent.

In a statement released in the early hours of Sunday morning, Jeffreys said she was looking forward to working on new projects.

“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. 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,” she said.

“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 Jeffreys, who started working on the program in 2014.

Read more: ABC reporter replaces Richard Wilkins on Today show

The network’s head of current affairs and news Darren Wick told The Daily Telegraph Sylvia would be moved in 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,” Wick 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.”

Read more: Peter Stefanovic quits Nine after 15 years with network

The news comes after Wick confirmed on Thursday that Jeffreys would not depart Nine like her husband and had a bright future with the network.

“Sylvia Jeffreys is a huge part of Nine’s plans for 2019 and beyond,” Wick said. “She is contracted with Nine until the end of 2020. Any reports or speculation that she is leaving Nine are incorrect.

“She is a gifted, hard-working journalist and presenter and we look forward to continuing to work with her.”

What are your thoughts on this? Are you sad to see Sylvia leave Today? Who do you think should replace her?