Tracy Grimshaw's rumoured A Current Affair replacement revealed

Following Tracy Grimshaw's surprise announcement she will be stepping down as host of A Current Affair after 17 years, fans have been wondering who will replace the veteran journalist.

According to The Australian, Nine has been looking outside of their network for the perfect host, with The Project's Carrie Bickmore among the long list of potential hosts. Carrie is out of contract with Ten at the end of the year.

Four other frontrunners include A Current Affair stand-in host Sylvia Jeffreys, her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic, his Today co-host Allison Langdon and Saturday ACA host Deb Knight.

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According to the publication, Sylvia would be a clear favourite as she recently MC'd a Nine leadership summit, impressing leaders across the business, and she also recently appeared on the cover of Stellar magazine - less than a week after Tracy announced her departure.

Some other hosts who are reportedly being considered from outside of Nine include ABC's Q+A host Stan Grant, News Breakfast's Lisa Millar, Studio 10 host Sarah Harris and former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle.

Nine is reportedly also considering basing the show in Melbourne based on the host they choose.

It was previously rumoured that Waleed Aly was being eyed up by the network, however, he has since signed a new multi-year contract with The Project.

Samantha Armytage is reportedly not being considered for the show, with rumours she's "not a good fit" for the network.

Tracy Grimshaw announces she's leaving ACA

Tracy made the surprise announcement last Monday, telling viewers, "Normally right about now we'd be telling you what to expect tomorrow night but lately I've personally been thinking longer term, and I have some news that I wanted you to hear from me before you hear it from anyone else.

"I've decided to finish up with A Current Affair this year."

She continued, "It's been a big decision and before the gossip websites start telling you rubbish, 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. And for the record, both the boys and the girls have asked me to stay."

The host, who has been at Channel Nine for more than 40 years shared that "she's basically been a shift worker for 26 years" taking away precious time from her family.

"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," she continued.

"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. So thank you for that opportunity. Thank you for your loyalty. I hope I've repaid it."

She added that she'd be on air until November, after which she will take a long holiday.

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