In arguably the worst kept secret in Australian TV, Allison Langdon has this evening been named Tracy Grimshaw’s replacement as ACA host.
The news was once again announced via Nine’s own news channels, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
Langdon was always the favourite to take the hotly contested hosting role, with other contenders considered in the running reported to be 60 Minutes’ Sarah Abo and even 10’s Carrie Bickmore.
The 43-year-old Langdon is currently hosting Nine’s breakfast show Today alongside the infamous Karl Stefanovic.
This morning, News Corp’s Daily Telegraph reported that Langdon was going to have to take a significant pay cut to move from breakfast to the 6.30pm ACA slot.
The Tele reported that Langdon was on $1 million a year to host Today, but would have to take a $250,000 haircut to move to the presumably far less demanding ACA.
As reported on B&T on Friday, outgoing ACA host Tracy Grimshaw gave Langdon a less than enthusiastic reception at her farewell show on Thursday night. Read that story HERE.
Nine’s Sarah Abo
In other Nine news, The SMH is reporting that Sarah Abo will move off Nine’s flagship current affairs program 60 Minutes to take Langdon’s role at Today.
Although it’s unclear if this is permanent or temporary. Obviously, a new hosting duo will be announced for the coming summer non-ratings period.
Langdon said in a statement to Nine media outlets (and no others): “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.
“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. 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.”
More to come…
