TRACY’S NOT GOING ANYWHERE

DESPITE THE EAGER EYES SIZING UP HER CHAIR, THE PRESENTER IS HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL

This week marks five decades since Nine first launched A Current Affair, then hosted by the late and great Mike Willesee. Over the past 50 years, ACA has delivered some of the nation’s biggest scoops in crime, entertainment and politics, while making household names out if its hosts. Yet, behind the scenes, things haven’t always been as smooth sailing.

While the show has proven to be a ratings powerhouse, often beating out expensive reality TV rivals, insiders at the Nine Network reveal the A Current Affair chair has long been coveted – with many presenters vying to become host. Some of the network’s biggest names, such as Karl Stefanovic, Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight, are said to have long been in competition for the hosting chair – the position that respected journalist Tracy Grimshaw currently holds.

“Despite what other talent at Nine may want, or perhaps dream about, there will be no ousting of Tracy,” spills a network insider, who claims production often find it difficult to “manage expectations” when it comes to presenters filling in for the long-time presenter.

“She’s adored by bigwigs and producers alike, and has proven herself as a reliable stalwart for longer than anyone,” the insider continues.

This month, Tracy has been off-air, replaced by Leila Mckinnon, who frequently steps in for the 61-year-old. Thankfully, sources maintain Tracy will be back soon.

It was in January 2006 when Tracy took over from Ray Martin as the host of ACA. It sparked a new era for the popular show.

“There’s very few people

‘DESPITE WHAT OTHER TALENT MAY WANT, THERE WILL BE NO OUSTING OF TRACY’

who can interview the likes of Scott Morrison, Lady Gaga and Lindy Chamberlain – Tracy has such range,” the source continues.

Certainly, during her time on ACA, Tracy has had many memorable interviews with a long list of exclusives that have dominated headlines across the country. Who could forget her Walkley awardwinning interview when she probed former Cronulla Sharks player, Matthew Johns, and his wife about his team’s group sex scandal allegations?

In 2010, she also fronted five entire episodes dedicated to the Hey Dad..! scandal, featuring interviews with the show’s cast and crew including

Gary Reilly, Ben Oxenbould and Sarah Monahan.

While her peers across the industry are used to making noise with tell-alls, headlinemaking relationship woes and publicity stunt appearances, Tracy has always shied away from making herself the story.

“She doesn’t need press – hell, she doesn’t even have a manager! She’s always been focused on delivering the best stories,” adds the source.

Tracy’s plum gig on ACA has long been eyed off by Nine’s stable of stars who want in on the glory. Tracy has carried A Current Affair for 15 years, since she took over the reins from Ray Martin in 2006.