Tracy Grimshaw looks forward to ‘clocking off’ as her time on ACA draws to a close

Following an impressive 17 years as host of A Current Affair, veteran journalist Tracy Grimshaw has reflected on her stellar career as she prepares to take her place behind the desk for the final time this week.

Grimshaw, 62, revealed on Monday, September 6 that she would be stepping away from A Current Affair, explaining to viewers 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. I’m around until November then I’m going to take a long holiday, but it’s business as usual until then. See you tomorrow night.”

After 17 years in the hosting chair, our very own @tracygrimshaw has announced she will be stepping down from presenting A Current Affair at the end of the year.

Thank you, Tracy ❤️ #9ACA pic.twitter.com/kCYj9hRbHJ

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

Now as her final episode as host draws near, Grimshaw has looked back fondly on her time with the popular current affairs program.

“I’ve been happy at ACA,” she told The Age.

“I feel like I know ACA viewers.

“I grew up watching A Current Affair. I feel like where I grew up is sort of ACA homeland. I feel like I know who they are. And I feel like they know who I am.”

Grimshaw will host A Current Affair for the final time on Thursday, November 24 and although it may be a solemn occasion for some and even Grimshaw herself, she admitted she is “looking forward to just clocking off” and offered some insight as to what life in retirement will look like.

“Sometimes, maybe, not watching the news and not feeling guilty,” she said.

“I’m going to leave my phone on the kitchen bench, and I’m not going to look at it all day. I’m going to take my watch off and I’m going to tell the time by the sun.”