Entertainment

Sylvia Jeffreys pens emotional farewell to Today after announcement of new hosts

Jan 07, 2019

After releasing a formal statement about her Today departure last month, Sylvia Jeffreys has said a proper goodbye to fans and her co-hosts in an emotional social media post. Source: Getty

Former Today star Sylvia Jeffreys has penned an emotional farewell to the show she was part of for years.

Following the news that Deborah Knight would be co-hosting the popular breakfast program alongside Georgie Gardner, 32-year-old Sylvia posted a tribute to her former colleagues and said goodbye to her fans.

Sharing a slideshow of images from her favourite moments on Today, the star hinted she would be announcing her next big move soon.

“To my fabulous, hilarious, crazy talented @thetodayshow friends… I. LOVE. YOU,” she wrote. “And to all of you who’ve welcomed me into your homes each morning… thank you!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsRehsOlCCS/

“Can’t wait to share my next move with you all and in the meantime, I’ll be waking up with Today… in my pj’s and beside my husband. Big love and lols.”

Sylvia shared a behind-the-scenes video of herself with former host Karl Stefanovic joking about love. Karl is also her brother-in-law and she’s married to Peter Stefanovic. Both confirmed their departure from Today last month while Karl announced on Sunday evening that his Instagram page had been hacked after a number of posts complaining about the new Today hosts were liked by his account.

“Whilst I was out fishing my Instagram account has been hacked,” he wrote. “I am investigating this with the authorities and will be back soon. Karlos.”

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Meanwhile, Sylvia originally announced she was leaving the show in December through a statement.

“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 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.”

It is thought she will move into a prime-time slot. Fans have bit farewell to the star on social media.

One person on Instagram wrote: “You will be missed!!! Loved waking up with you, Pete and Karl! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.”

Another fan said: “I am going to miss you Sylvia!! Enjoy your sleep in and I look forward to seeing you back on our TV soon.”

A third added: “The Today show will not be same without you Sylvia, we’ll miss you.”

In addition to Deborah and Georgie fronting the new Today, Tom Steinfort is joining the line-up as newsreader. Legendary Melbourne sports presenter Tony Jones has also signed up, while Nine Finance Editor Ross Greenwood and former ABC journalist and Triple J newsreader Brooke Boney will also be part of the show.

The new team will make their debut next Monday, January 14. Political Editor Chris Uhlmann, Richard Wilkins, Lara Vella, Christine Ahern and Jessica Milward will also be part of the team. David Campbell, Allison Langdon, Jayne Azzopardi and Clint Stanaway will host Weekend Today.

Wake up with the NEW LOOK Today Show! #9Today pic.twitter.com/F6P6yhPEOs

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) January 5, 2019

Sonia Kruger will continue to host Today Extra five days and will be joined by current co-host Campbell for three of those days. Wilkins will host the show two days a week.

“Georgie Gardner, Deb Knight and Tom Steinfort will spearhead an energised and exciting Today show in 2019,” Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs Darren Wick said in a statement on Saturday. “We’ve brought together a team from within the Nine family who are already well-known, trusted and liked by Australian viewers.”