Today host Karl Stefanovic has announced on-air that Georgie Gardner will replace Lisa Wilkinson, who quit the Nine Network six weeks ago.
Wilkinson made the shock defection to Network Ten's The Project in mid-October reportedly walking away because her employer refused to match co-host Stefanovic's $2 million salary.
Wilkinson, who was paid $1.1 million, was offered an increase to $1.8 million but declined, news outlets reported.
"It's great to have Georgie back. I think the best thing about her, is her heart. Viewers know she cares," Stefanovic told Today viewers on Thursday.
Gardner's predecessor offered her congratulations to the new host by posting on Twitter.
"Warmest congratulations to my friend @GeorgieG who has just been announced as the new co-host of @TheTodayShow. She will nail it," Wilkinson wrote.
Meanwhile Gardner's new colleague Sylvia Jeffreys expressed her excitement at having the former Today newsreader back on deck.
"Welcome home, GG! So very excited to share my mornings with the wonderful @GeorgieG. Happy days ahead @TheTodayShow," Jeffreys said.
Jeffreys replaced Gardner on Today after she departed back in 2014.
Gardner had spent seven years delivering the news to breakfast television viewers on Nine.
"This is a 'pinch me' moment without a doubt. It's an enormous privilege," she said after Thursday's announcement.
"I know these are big shoes to fill. I now acutely how much love and respect there's been for Lisa. She'll always been part of the Today Show landscape."
