Sylvia Jeffreys confirms she is leaving the Today show

The mass exodus at Channel Nine’s Today show continues, after Sylvia Jeffreys confirmed she is leaving the breakfast program to take on a ‘brand new project’ in 2019.

In a statement on Saturday, the newsreader revealed she would not be returning to the show next year, but will continue on with the network.

“I’ve loved and embraced every minute of my TODAY show chapter and feel humbled to have worked with so many passionate people — hosts, studio crew, cameramen and producers — who have become my great mates,” she said a statement to Nine Honey.

“There are few shows that are fortunate to have such an engaged audience, and I thank our viewers for inviting me into their homes day after day.

“I’m thrilled to sink my teeth into a brand new project. Opportunity often knocks when you least expect it and I’m ready to dive right in to what’s ahead of me.”

Sylvia, who started with the breakfast program back in 2014, was praised by Nine’s director of news and current affairs, Darren Wick.

“She’s also become an agenda-setter and a leading voice for women with her commentary on TODAY and 9Honey,” he said in a separate statement.

“Sylvia has done a great job on Today, and while the team there will miss her, she’s about to embark on an exciting new challenge. Watch this space in 2019.”

Speculation was rife earlier this week that Sylvia would follow her husband Peter Stefanovic in leaving the network. But they were quickly shut down.

“Sylvia Jeffreys is a huge part of Nine’s plans for 2019 and beyond,” Darren said on Thursday.

“She is contracted with Nine until the end of 2020. Any reports or speculation that she is leaving Nine are incorrect.

Sylvia’s move comes just days after husband Peter quit the network altogether.

He confirmed he was leaving Channel Nine after 15 years with the network.

Having most recently fronted Weekend Today and some 60 Minutes segments, a statement from the network said Peter had “decided to explore new opportunities”.

“I’ve had an amazing time at Nine being a foreign correspondent, news reporter and covering some amazing stories for 60 Minutes,” Peter said.

“I’ll miss my friends at Nine very much, it has been a huge privilege to work alongside so many great people.”

Peter’s departure was the first of a string of shock changes to Channel Nine’s line-up.

Shortly after Peter’s announcement came the shock axing of his brother Karl Stefanovic, followed by the sidelining of entertainment stalwart Richard Wilkins.

Although, Karl could end up working for Channel Nine as a US correspondent, The Daily Telegraph reports.

“The Us correspondent job has been floated with Karl, it would be a good option for both parties,” an insider told the publication.

“Karl has worked in the US on a number of big stories for Nine and Jasmine lived in LA for many years before moving back to Australia for Karl.”

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