Tracy Grimshaw has revealed the real reason she’s walking away from A Current Affair after 17 years at the helm.
The 62-year-old made the shock announcement at the end of Monday night’s episode, announcing she will be stepping down in November.
“Lately I have personally been thinking longer term, and I have some news that I wanted you to hear from me before you hear it from anyone,” she told viewers of the Nine Network current affairs programme.
Tracy announced her departure on Monday night’s show.
(Image: Nine)“I’ve decided to finish up with A Current Affair this year, it’s been a big decision, huge actually … 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. For the record both the boys and girls have asked me to stay.”
Tracy said the decision stemmed from wanting to have a more flexible work schedule.
“I’ve basically been a shift worker for 26 years now, 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,” she continued.
Tracy is leaving due to the “shift work” nature of the job.
(Image: Getty)The veteran journalist went on to reminisce about her successful reporting career.
“I was just a kid in 1971 when Mike Willesee started it and in our family it was required viewing each night as Michael either forensically dismantled some politician or maybe laughed along with Hoges,” she said.
“Back then, I was going to be a vet or a flight attendant so if you’d told me that one day I’d sit in this chair, let alone occupy it for 17 years, I’d have thought you were mad. Well lucky me.”
Tracy then thanked her loyal viewers for their support over the years, saying it’s been an honour to have a place in Aussies’ living rooms every weeknight.
“You’ve let me indulge my love of interviewing here,” she said. “I’ve talked to people who’ve made us all laugh and cry, who’ve shared their triumphs and their challenges and their wisdom and despair.
“And because it’s your show not mine and you get to vote each night with your remote control, you told us you wanted more of that.”
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