Sonia Kruger leaves Nine in another shock exit

Sonia Kruger has announced she is leaving the Nine network after eight years.

The morning show host looked emotional as she made the shocking announcement on Today Extra on Thursday morning, as visibly upset co-host David Campbell looked on.

Sonia told viewers she was ‘ready for something new’, but very sad to leave the network after such a long time on board.

Even more shocking is that, far from a drawn-out farewell tour, Sonia confirmed she will be appearing on the show, and network, for the last time tomorrow morning – Friday, November 14.

“After eight fabulous years, I’m leaving the show and the Nine network,” she said on air.

“I have had an amazing time here I’ve been very privileged to work on some top-shelf programs and of course with you David Campbell.”

Sonia joined Nine full time in late 2011 after years of odd jobs for the network.

In recent years, the former actress and dancer turned media personality, has been the face of Today Extra, as well as the host of programs like The Voice.

She told 9Honey the decision will allow her extra time with her daughter Maggie who turns five next year.

“I have more time to spend with Maggie now, rather than being committed on that daily basis,” she told the site.

No replacement has been announced, however it’s understood Sylvia Jefferys will be in the chair come Monday morning as the network looks for a replacement.

Rumoured return to Big Brother

With the news that Big Brother would make part of Channel Seven’s 2020 offering, it was rumoured that Sonia may jump ship to the rival network to reprise her role as the reality TV show’s host.

She fronted Big Brother while it was on Nine between 2012 and 2014, and an insider suggested to Daily Mail last week that Seven had offered her big money to jump ship.

“She's leaving because Channel Seven are prepared to pay far more money than Channel Nine,” they said – with that amount estimated at $1.3 million a year.

Another blow for Today

The shocking announcement is another in a series of blows to the Today franchise this week which is shedding talent faster than a coat in summer.

This morning, sports presenter Tony Jones announced he is leaving his role after just 12 months citing an ‘unsustainable workload’. His last day will be on Friday.

“It’s certainly been a wild ride over the past year, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working on the Today show,” he told the Herald Sun following news of the departure.

“Juggling those commitments, together with Nine News, Sunday Footy Show and 3AW was not sustainable.”

The double blow came just days after hosts Deborah Knight and Georgie Garnder were axed in favour of Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon.

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