10’s Carrie Bickmore and Nine’s Karl Stefanovic are the top contenders to take over Tracey Grimshaw’s throne, according to reports.
Carrie Bickmore has been 10’s golden girl for years now. She came to fame on Rove and has been the face of The Project since its inception.
Her contract is also up for negotiation at the end of the year, but considering her rumoured pay packet, it would take plenty of dollar signs to get Bickmore to walk.
So, considering it’d cost plenty of coin for Nine to steal Bickmore, would it be worth it?
Well, that depends. Replacing Grimshaw will be difficult for Nine because viewers are attached to her. But, Bickmore could cause enough buzz to keep viewers happy and onboard some new younger ones.
However, if the crown doesn’t go to Bickmore, there are plenty of rumours swirling that Stefanovic could be set to take on A Current Affair.
Stefanovic has given a different time slot a crack a few times now. In 2015, he gave it a crack with The Verdict but it was quickly axed and then again in 2017, he tried again with This Time Next Year! Ironically, the show didn’t make it until next year.
So, despite Stefanovic’s enduring popularity, he hasn’t managed to make his star power translate to night numbers, beyond his standing appointment with 60 Minutes.
But, does that mean Stefanovic doesn’t have what it takes to draw in night viewers? Or has Nine just not managed to find him the right vehicle?
I’d say there’s no denying Stefanovic has a huge draw, so it really is about finding him the show and A Current Affair is a programme that works, and Stefanovic is a talent that works well. So, perhaps that is the magic Nine needs.
But, at this point it could be anyones win.
