‘Wonderful to have you here!’ Lisa Millar makes her debut on ABC News Breakfast

Broadcaster Lisa Millar took her place on the ABC News Breakfast sofa this morning, as she made her official debut as the newest presenter of the show following the departure of long-time host Virginia Trioli – and the veteran journalist received a very warm welcome from her new “partner in crime” Michael Rowland.

Welcoming his new partner to the show, following Trioli’s departure last week, Rowland announced the arrival of the “wonderful, amazing, impressive Lisa Millar”, as he celebrated her joining the team when the show aired at 6am on Monday.

“A very good morning to you,” Rowland said on air. “And a very good morning and very warm welcome to the wonderful, the amazing, the impressive Lisa Millar. Welcome to the team my friend!” Millar then thanked Rowland, jokingly adding: “Stop it! You do go on. If only they knew how much you had me giggling at five seconds to 6.”

Welcome @lisamillar! @BreakfastNews https://t.co/CFfuCjGy2X

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) August 18, 2019

Millar has stepped into the shoes of former News Breakfast host Virginia Trioli who carried out her final presenting duties on the show on Friday before handing over the baton to Millar, bringing to an end her nine-year stint on the morning TV show.

Taking to social media on Friday morning Rowland reflected on their time on the program together and how much he will miss sitting beside her sharing the news each day. Posting a collection of snaps of the pair smiling and laughing together Rowland wished his colleague all the best for the future as she embarks on her new journey.

This morning I farewell my work wife of the last 9 years, @LaTrioli. I will miss her wit and penetrating intellect (and, yes, those eye rolls 😀). There really never has been a dull moment. I wish her all the best in her radio adventures! 🙌 @BreakfastNews pic.twitter.com/iKt9lZWiMK

— Michael Rowland (@mjrowland68) August 15, 2019

“This morning I farewelled my work wife of the last 9 years, @LaTrioli,” he wrote on Twitter. “I will miss her wit and penetrating intellect (and, yes, those eye rolls). There really never has been a dull moment. I wish her all the best in her radio adventures!” Responding to her colleagues sweet tribute, Trioli joked: “To quote Friends – it’s not a divorce, we’re on a break! My work husband – thank you for everything (except the puns).”

Millar was unveiled as Trioli’s replacement back in June, after the 54-year-old broadcaster revealed she had accepted a new job on ABC Radio Melbourne as Jon Faine’s replacement when the veteran host retires. Trioli was the firm favourite to land the role, having previously filled in for Faine, as well as regularly standing in for Tony Jones on the ABC’s Q&A program.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking on one of the most precious radio jobs in the country,” she said in a statement at the time. “Jon and the ABC Melbourne team, for more than two decades, have created an agenda-setting and community-building program that means so much not only to Melburnians, but to anyone who values great conversation and the vital need for the continuing contest of ideas.

“Radio is in my soul and I’m pinching myself that this once-in-a-career opportunity has come my way. Melbourne — we’re going to make great radio together!”

Millar was announced as Trioli’s successor later that month, when she revealed she “couldn’t wait” to join the team.

“I’ve been traveling quite a bit in regional Australia since I got back and people are always asking me about the Brekky team and whether everyone is as nice and friendly as they seem,” Millar said. “The answer is a definite yes. And I can’t wait to join them.”