They’re four incredibly strong women, and among the very best and most respected news presenters in the country, but behind the scenes, two of the biggest TV shake-ups are about to go down.
In a bombshell move that’s sure to ruffle feathers, Woman’s Day can now reveal that Ten’s star newsreader Sandra Sully, 56, is set to go head-to-head with the network’s highest paid talent and host of The Project, Lisa Wilkinson, 62.
And after 40 years at Nine, the much-respected TV veteran Tracy Grimshaw, 61, is getting ready – on her terms – to hand over the reins to her protege and good friend, 35-year-old Sylvia Jeffreys.
“It’s only the first week of official TV ratings, and already there are big changes, especially at Ten.
Ten’s star newsreader Sandra Sully, 56, is set to go head-to-head with the network’s highest paid talent and host of The Project, Lisa Wilkinson, 62.
(Image: Getty)“It’s become very clear that Sandra, their ‘golden girl’, who has been with the network for more than 30 years, is looking like she might step into Lisa’s shoes on The Project,” confirms a well-placed source.
Since images emerged last month from the US of Sandra with her pal and colleague (and Oprah’s best mate) Gayle King, there’s been plenty of speculation about just what Ten are planning next.
“To see Sandra mixing it with the best on CBS Mornings with Gayle, who happens to be one of the most powerful women in the US, is a strong hint there are plans afoot over the next few months.
“It’s propelled her into a whole new world – where once Lisa would do the big exclusives, jet-setting across the globe, it seems Sandra has taken over top billing.
TV veteran Tracy Grimshaw, 61, is getting ready – on her terms – to hand over the reins to her protege and good friend, 35-year-old Sylvia Jeffreys.
(Image: Getty)“This is a whole new era, and those big paydays are all but gone, with network bosses wanting value for money.
“Sandra is one of those TV personalities who is really easy to like, and earns a rumoured $500,000. She’s not afraid of speaking her mind, and always with grace and confidence,” says the source.
“Lisa, who in stark contrast, earns a whopping $2 million, has only been with Ten since 2018.
“Both women are determined to champion female stories and want to do the big interviews, but it could be a case of having two exceptional talents when the network only needs one,” confirms our television insider.
WATCH: Sylvia Jeffreys talks ‘A Current Affair’ and working with Tracy Grimshaw. Story continues after video.
Meanwhile, over at the Nine bunker, it’s a very different story.
“Sylvia is the obvious choice to take over as host of A Current Affair, and Tracy is confident she’s the perfect fit.
“She wasn’t even born when Tracy first started at Nine in 1981, and they have enormous respect for one another,” says the source.
“Spare a thought for poor old Karl [Stefanovic] who will be devastated – he’s been eyeing off the ACA hosting role for years. At least the best job on TV is going to his all-time favourite sister-in-law!”
