Allison Langdon is CONFIRMED as new host of A Current Affair following  Tracy Grimshaw’s departure

Allison Langdon has been announced as the new host of A Current Affair. 

The Today show star will step into the coveted role at the Channel Nine current affairs stalwart after longtime host Tracy Grimshaw quit in September.

Nine shared the good news to the official Instagram account for A Current Affair on Sunday. 

Allison Langdon (pictured on Sunday) has been announced as the new host of A Current Affair. The Channel Nine show shared the good news to their official Instagram account

‘In 2023 Ally Langdon will step into the host chair of A Current Affair following the retirement of longtime host Tracy Grimshaw’ the announcement read. 

‘One of Australia’s most fearless and respected journalists, Ally has built her career on trust, empathy and a commitment to journalistic excellence. She will start on air on Monday January 30, 2023. Welcome to the team Ally!’

The post included an image of Langdon emblazoned with the words ‘new host’. 

'In 2023 Ally Langdon will step into the host chair of A Current Affair following the retirement of longtime host Tracy Grimshaw' the announcement read

‘In 2023 Ally Langdon will step into the host chair of A Current Affair following the retirement of longtime host Tracy Grimshaw’ the announcement read 

The Today show star will step into the coveted role at the Channel Nine current affairs stalwart after longtime host Tracy Grimshaw quit in September. Grimshaw is pictured

The Today show star will step into the coveted role at the Channel Nine current affairs stalwart after longtime host Tracy Grimshaw quit in September. Grimshaw is pictured 

In a press release on Sunday, Langdon expressed her excitement and trepidation at taking on the respected position.  

‘It is such an incredible honour to be joining the A Current Affair team. A show I love, respect and have been watching since I was in school and Jana Wendt was host’ the journalist began. 

‘I won’t lie – it’s daunting to be stepping into the role that Tracy has so brilliantly navigated for the past 17 years, with such warmth and compassion. 

Allison looked relaxed - if a little tired - as she was spotted alongside singer David Campbell at Brisbane Airport on Sunday, following the announcement of her new ACA role

Allison looked relaxed – if a little tired – as she was spotted alongside singer David Campbell at Brisbane Airport on Sunday, following the announcement of her new ACA role 

She donned a pair of pale blue jeans and white sneakers paired with a salmon toned shirt

She donned a pair of pale blue jeans and white sneakers paired with a salmon toned shirt 

Ally engaged with a chitchat with her colleagues as she strolled along, and showed no signs of strain despite the big announcement

Ally engaged with a chitchat with her colleagues as she strolled along, and showed no signs of strain despite the big announcement 

‘I hope to bring my own warmth and compassion to the show as we continue to tell great stories that matter to our amazing viewers.’

Langdon also confirmed that she will be leaving the Today show, which she has hosted alongside Karl Stefanovic, as a result of the new gig – but expressed joy at no longer having to work early morning shifts in favour of a nightly show.  

‘I get it’s a big change for our audience and also for me personally. There is great sadness at leaving my brilliant Today Show family, in particular my co-host Karl, who has made these past three years so wonderful and fun, although I won’t miss that 3am alarm!’ she said. 

In a press release on Sunday, Langdon expressed her excitement. 'It is such an incredible honour to be joining the A Current Affair team. A show I love, respect and have been watching since I was in school and Jana Wendt was host' she said

In a press release on Sunday, Langdon expressed her excitement. ‘It is such an incredible honour to be joining the A Current Affair team. A show I love, respect and have been watching since I was in school and Jana Wendt was host’ she said

'I won't lie – it's daunting to be stepping into the role that Tracy has so brilliantly navigated for the past 17 years, with such warmth and compassion' she added

‘I won’t lie – it’s daunting to be stepping into the role that Tracy has so brilliantly navigated for the past 17 years, with such warmth and compassion’ she added 

‘Instead, I’ll enjoy being woken by the kids, walking them to school and daycare before ripping in at work’.

She went on: ‘I love what A Current Affair is, and what it stands for. It’s a show that is in my family’s DNA, as it was for my father-in-law, the late Mike Willesee Snr, who started A Current Affair back in the early 70’s. 

‘Each host has brought their own style to the show and I hope to do the same but at its core, A Current Affair is about those at home who tune in each night. It’s their show, their stories we share, and injustices we help fight.’

Langdon also confirmed that she will be leaving the Today show as a result of the new gig. Pictured on the Today show alongside co-star Karl Stefanovic

Langdon also confirmed that she will be leaving the Today show as a result of the new gig. Pictured on the Today show alongside co-star Karl Stefanovic

On the back of Allison’s announcement, Channel Nine confirmed on Sunday that 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo will be filling Langdon’s spot alongside Karl Stefanovic and taking over as co-host on the Today show. 

‘I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful and hard-working team at Today, who manage to inform the nation every morning while also having a lot of fun’ Sarah, who has filled in for Ally in the past, said in a press release. 

‘I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside some of the country’s finest journalists at 60 Minutes and travel the nation and world bringing stories to Australian audiences’ she went on. 

On the back of Allison's announcement, Channel Nine confirmed on Sunday that 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo (pictured) will be filling Langdon's spot alongside Karl Stefanovic and taking over as co-host on the Today show

On the back of Allison’s announcement, Channel Nine confirmed on Sunday that 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo (pictured) will be filling Langdon’s spot alongside Karl Stefanovic and taking over as co-host on the Today show 

Sarah has filled in for Ally in the past. Pictured alongside Karl Stefanovic on the Today show

Sarah has filled in for Ally in the past. Pictured alongside Karl Stefanovic on the Today show 

‘It is an absolute privilege to meet so many inspirational people and help tell their stories. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned from those amazing experiences into my new role at Today. 

‘The 3am alarm will be an adjustment, but I’m looking forward to keeping Karl on his toes. I know Ally will make a success of the move to ACA and I can’t wait to watch her in the chair’.

Allison looked relaxed – if a little tired – as she was spotted alongside singer David Campbell at Brisbane Airport on Sunday, following the announcement of her new ACA role. 

At one stage, the busy television presented yawned as she headed out of the terminal, loaded up with luggage. 

'I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful and hard-working team at Today, who manage to inform the nation every morning while also having a lot of fun' Sarah said in a press release.

‘I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful and hard-working team at Today, who manage to inform the nation every morning while also having a lot of fun’ Sarah said in a press release.

Langdon said she will 'enjoy being woken by the kids, walking them to school and daycare before ripping in at work' now that she's switching from breakfast TV to a nightly show.  Pictured alongside her children Mack, four, and two-year-old Scout

Langdon said she will ‘enjoy being woken by the kids, walking them to school and daycare before ripping in at work’ now that she’s switching from breakfast TV to a nightly show.  Pictured alongside her children Mack, four, and two-year-old Scout

Ally engaged with a chitchat with her colleagues as she strolled along, and showed no signs of strain despite the big announcement. 

Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Darren Wick, praised Langdon in the press release from the network on Sunday. 

‘Ally is a natural fit to lead A Current Affair into a new era. She was raised in the country and has a deep commitment to family, friends and community’ he said. 

‘Ally is a phenomenally hard worker, and has blazed her own trail through Australian News and Current Affairs. 

The news comes after an awkward interaction between Grimshaw and her A Current Affair replacement Langdon was caught on camera

The news comes after an awkward interaction between Grimshaw and her A Current Affair replacement Langdon was caught on camera

‘She learned the basics of her reporting in Nine’s Darwin newsroom before making her mark among our best in Sydney. After a decade of news, she was thrown in the deep end at 60 Minutes and very soon found her rhythm.

‘She’s passionate, curious and razor sharp – loyal to her colleagues, dedicated to her craft and determined to fight for her viewers. We’re very excited to see what Ally will bring to ACA in 2023 and for many, many years beyond.’

Executive Producer of A Current Affair, Fiona Dear said: ‘I’m thrilled Ally is joining the ACA family. We’re already planning stories for next year and can’t wait to get out in the communities, listening to our viewers’ stories and hopefully helping more families with the issues that matter most to them.’

Footage of her farewell party shows Grimshaw walking through a guard of honour and when Langdon goes in to hug her, she appears to reject the embrace

Footage of her farewell party shows Grimshaw walking through a guard of honour and when Langdon goes in to hug her, she appears to reject the embrace

The news comes after an awkward interaction between Grimshaw and her A Current Affair replacement Langdon was caught on camera.

Footage of her farewell party shows Grimshaw walking through a guard of honour and when Langdon goes in to hug her, she appears to reject the embrace. 

Grimshaw explained she was simply ‘flustered’ and caught off guard as her colleagues bid her farewell.

Grimshaw brutally brushed her, appearing to shake her head. She later explained she was simply 'flustered' and caught off guard as her colleagues bid her farewell

Grimshaw brutally brushed her, appearing to shake her head. She later explained she was simply ‘flustered’ and caught off guard as her colleagues bid her farewell

‘It’s come to my attention that some people are seriously suggesting I snubbed Ally here,’ Grimshaw, 62, wrote on Twitter. 

‘Of course I didn’t and wouldn’t. I was emotional, flustered and completely overwhelmed and just didn’t see her’ Grimshaw explained.    

Ally is set to take a ‘hefty pay cut’ after signing on to host A Current Affair, reports claim. 

Ally is set to take a 'hefty pay cut' after signing on to host A Current Affair, reports claim. Langdon, 43, is currently said to be on a 'premium contract' worth $1million per year hosting the Today show alongside Karl Stefanovic for 17.5 hours a week

Ally is set to take a ‘hefty pay cut’ after signing on to host A Current Affair, reports claim. Langdon, 43, is currently said to be on a ‘premium contract’ worth $1million per year hosting the Today show alongside Karl Stefanovic for 17.5 hours a week

Langdon, 43, is currently said to be on a ‘premium contract’ worth $1million per year hosting the Today show alongside Karl Stefanovic for 17.5 hours a week. 

In contrast, Langdon’s rumoured new gig hosting ACA, which equates to a much smaller 2.5 hour-a-week on-air commitment will only see her earn $250,000 a year, The Daily Telegraph reports. 

As she is quitting Today to make more room for her ACA role, she will be looking at a six-figure pay cut. 

As she is quitting Today to make more room for her ACA role, she will be looking at a six-figure pay cut

As she is quitting Today to make more room for her ACA role, she will be looking at a six-figure pay cut

Meanwhile, outgoing ACA host Tracy Grimshaw reported to have been on an annual package worth about $750,000, although The Daily Telegraph claims Allison secured a ‘better deal’ with network bosses than her predecessor.

Sources at Nine have also apparently told The Daily Telegraph that Langdon hesitated to accept the role at ACA when TV executives told her how much she’d earn. 

In September, Grimshaw announced that she was parting ways with A Current Affair after 17 years with the network. 

In her leaving speech, the veteran journalist insisted her departure was not because she’s ‘too old’. 

In September, Grimshaw announced that she was parting ways with A Current Affair after 17 years with the network

 In September, Grimshaw announced that she was parting ways with A Current Affair after 17 years with the network

‘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’ she said. 

‘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,’ Tracy continued.

‘But I’ve basically been a shift worker for 26 years, driving to work before dawn for nine 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.’ 

In her leaving speech, the veteran journalist insisted her departure was not because she's '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,' Tracy said

In her leaving speech, the veteran journalist insisted her departure was not because she’s ‘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,’ Tracy said 

Ally meanwhile got her start in journalism presenting radio programs on the NSW North Coast community radio station 2WAY FM while at high school. 

The reporter then went on to study journalism at Charles Sturt University, which included a prestigious internship at CBS in New York City.

She joined Channel 9’s Darwin newsroom in 2002, and won the David Marchbank Award for Best New Journalist during her first year in the Top End. 

Ally got her start in journalism presenting radio programs on the NSW North Coast community radio station 2WAY FM while at high school

Ally got her start in journalism presenting radio programs on the NSW North Coast community radio station 2WAY FM while at high school

Langdon moved into the role of political reporter for the Northern Territory, flying to East Timor and China to file stories for 9News and Sunday, and was one of the first reporters on the scene after the 2004 bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

Ally returned to Channel 9’s newsroom in Sydney in 2004 presenting for 9News, Nightline and Today, before joining the 60 Minutes team as a reporter in 2011.

She is the author of the 2007 book, ‘The Child Who Never Was –The Tegan Lane Story’ after covering the inquest into the disappearance of the baby of Keli Lane, and is an Ambassador for R U Ok?, the Mirabel Foundation, and Gidget Foundation

Ally lives in Sydney with her husband Michael Willesee Jr, and their children Mack and Scout.

Ally lives in Sydney with her husband Michael Willesee Jr, and their children Mack and Scout. All pictured

Ally lives in Sydney with her husband Michael Willesee Jr, and their children Mack and Scout. All pictured  

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