Fed: Tracy Grimshaw bids farewell to Today

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-2005
Fed: Tracy Grimshaw bids farewell to Today

SYDNEY, Dec 23 AAP - Today show co-host Tracy Grimshaw has bid farewell to the Nine
Network morning show after nine years, after the network announced she would be replaced
by Ten newsreader Jessica Rowe.

Much of today's program was made up of a two-hour tribute to Grimshaw, including messages
from performers such as the United States' Chris Isaak and sports stars.

Former co-host Steve Liebmann and former weather presenter Monte Dwyer returned to
their old set to join current male host Karl Stefanovic, newsreader Sharyn Ghidella, weather
presenter Steve Jacobs and arts reporter Richard Wilkins in farewelling Grimshaw.

Grimshaw and Stefanovic have been struggling in breakfast slot ratings against Seven's
Sunrise hosts Melissa Doyle and David Koch, and until last week there had been speculation
of a second line-up change for the year.

In February, Steve Liebmann left the show after 22 years, citing health reasons.

It had been rumoured Grimshaw would be replaced by ABC newsreader Juanita Phillips,
but last week Nine said Rowe would front Today from late January.

However, Ten said Rowe was contractually bound to give six months notice.

The timing issue is yet to be resolved.

At the end of today's program, Grimshaw's colleagues spoke of her "extraordinary commitment
to journalism and extraordinary loyalty".

An emotional Grimshaw thanked them before saying: "To the folks at home, I'm going
to miss this gig - a lot."

Grimshaw will host Nine's A Current Affair, replacing Ray Martin, who has been given
the title of network senior correspondent.

AAP sd/rj

KEYWORD: GRIMSHAW

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