Samantha Armytage responds to rumours she’s replacing Tracy Grimshaw on A Current Affair

Speculation has continued to mount over who will take over from Tracy Grimshaw as host of A Current Affair, as rumours swirl, former Sunrise host Samantha Armytage has responded to reports that she is set to take up the gig.

At the end of A Current Affair’s Monday, September 6 show, Grimshaw surprised loyal fans with the shock announcement that she was stepping down as host while confirming that she wasn’t “being shoved out the door by the boys club” because she was “too old”.

“Normally right about now we’d be telling you what to expect tomorrow night but lately I’ve personally been thinking longer term, and I have some news that I wanted you to hear from me before you hear it from anyone else,” she told viewers.

“I’ve decided to finish up with A Current Affair this year.

“It’s been a big decision and before the gossip websites start telling you rubbish, I want you to know it’s been my decision alone and I’m not being shoved out the door by the boys club because I’m too old.

“I’m not too old, I’m just a bit tired. And for the record both the boys and the girls have asked me to stay.

“But I’ve basically been a shift worker for 26 years, driving to work before dawn for 9 years on the Today Show, and the past 17 years driving home after dark here on A Current Affair and it’s time for less of that daily obligation.

“It’s been my privilege to host this show.”

“Thank you for your loyalty. I hope I’ve repaid it.”

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for gracing our screens.

You’ve repaid us endlessly @tracygrimshaw. #9ACA pic.twitter.com/ivNSnQqrQ1

— A Current Affair (@ACurrentAffair9) September 5, 2022

As the dust began to settle following the surprise move, attention quickly turned to who will take Grimshaw’s place behind the desk of the nightly program and assume hosting duties.

Media heavyweights such as The Project’s Carrie Bickmore were rumoured to be stepping into the hosting chair alongside Today show host Karl Stefanovic, and his co-host Allison Langdon.

Former Sunrise host, Samantha Armytage’s, name has also been thrown in the ring with continued rumours that she had been approached for the coveted hosting role.

However, Armytage made it clear to The Australian that she had no plans to make the move to Nine, claiming she was “extremely happy” at the Seven network.

“I’m under contract to Seven for another 18 months,” she told the publication.

Whoever does end up taking over from Grimshaw will have big shoes to fill, the Walkley Award-winning journalist has covered major national stories such as Stuart Diver’s rescue from the Thredbo disaster and took on hosting duties again for the coverage of Princess Diana’s death.

Grimshaw also covered the rescue of the two miners in Beaconsfield, Brant Webb and Todd Russell and most recently covered the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.