Georgie Gardner breaks cover after absence from her night news bulletin amid news of an off-screen ‘bust-up’ – as rumours swirl about her ‘replacement’
Channel Nine veteran Georgie Gardner cut a subdued figure on Saturday as she was seen walking her dog outside her home in the upscale Sydney suburb of Mosman.
The longtime anchor, 54, has made headlines for her alleged clash with a junior staffer, and insiders are speculating about her future at the network.
Georgie was also absent from her usual Friday evening news bulletin to attend her son’s graduation ceremony, and the next morning she was seen taking a dog walk in the park with her husband Tim Baker.
She looked effortlessly stylish as she rocked a monochrome look in a loose-fitting gray sweater paired with black pants and mismatched black and white shoes.
She accessorized her ensemble with orange Vieux sunglasses and carried a black handbag over her shoulder.
The Perth-born journalist wore her blonde hair tied in a ponytail and highlighted her natural beauty by going makeup-free during the outing.
Gardner appeared engrossed in conversation with her husband Tim as she enjoyed a sunny day out in Sydney’s affluent area.
It follows reports that Gardner has just one year left on her Nine contract, which sees her earn $600,000 a year for working two days a week, prompting insiders to speculate about possible replacements.
Channel Nine veteran Georgie Gardner cut a somber figure on Saturday as she was seen walking her dog outside her home in the upmarket Sydney suburb of Mosman
The longtime host, 54, has made headlines for her alleged clash with a junior staffer, and insiders are speculating about her future at the network
The journalist appeared dejected as she strolled with her husband Tim Baker as they took their dog for a walk through a leafy local park
Gardner looked effortlessly stylish as she rocked a monochrome look in a loose-fitting gray sweater paired with black pants and black and white sneakers
The Nine News Sydney presenter reads the news for the channel every Friday and Saturday evening, but was missing from her post on Friday to attend her son’s graduation ceremony.
‘Nine are in trouble. There is a huge experience gap between household names like Georgie Gardner and Karl Stefanovic, and everyday reporters like Kate Creedon and Gabriella Boyle,” an insider said. The Daily Telegraph.
“Some of these people only work two days a week for $600,000. They work two hours a week. That doesn’t work economically.
‘The goal is to get good people to do more. That’s what the future will be.’
They claimed there are a huge number of enthusiastic journalists, such as 60 Minutes reporter Amelia Adams, who would be happy to take on a role at Nine News if someone resigns.
She wore orange Vieux sunglasses and a black handbag slung over her shoulder
The Perth-born journalist wore her blonde hair tied in a ponytail and highlighted her natural beauty by going makeup-free during the outing
Gardner appeared engrossed in conversation with her husband Tim as she enjoyed a sunny day out in Sydney’s affluent area
It follows reports that Gardner has just one year left on her contract, earning $600,000 a year for working two days a week, leading insiders to speculate about possible replacements
“Amelia is very loved and incredibly good at her job,” she added.
Today Extra co-host Sylvia Jeffreys and Weekend Today’s Sophie Walsh are other names also suggested by insiders.
However, there is no suggestion that any speculation about Gardner’s future at the network is related to her alleged clash with the junior producer.
Daily Mail Australia has approached Channel Nine for comment.
Elsewhere on Friday evening, Gardner was absent from her usual news anchor position to attend her son’s graduation ceremony.
She was instead replaced by Mark Burrows, but will return to report the news on Saturday evening.
The Nine News Sydney presenter reads the news for the station every Friday and Saturday evening, but was missing from her post on Friday to attend her son’s graduation ceremony
Gardner seemed to enjoy playing with her dog
She looked focused as she walked with her husband
It follows reports of an alleged fiery clash in the studio between Gardner and a junior female producer that emerged last month.
The star newsreader is said to have attacked the junior colleague during the Saturday evening news bulletin on August 31.
A TV source told Daily Mail Australia that the alleged incident stemmed from the way Gardner’s scripts were prepared before going on air.
“Georgie showed up in a terrible mood. She didn’t like the overview or the way the intros (to news stories) were written – and basically said it was bad. The mood was tense, she insisted on rewriting intros herself.’ they said.
The blonde beauty looked happy to take in some local sights
Georgie turned heads with her relaxed style as she watched a local cricket match in the park
“The junior producer (whom Daily Mail Australia prefers not to name) said she wasn’t done with it yet, prompting Georgie to walk behind her and snap at her to ‘grow up’.”
According to the source, the heated argument continued in the studio as the scripts were loaded into the teleprompter.
At least part of the exchange was allegedly recorded in response to an official complaint and turned over to management for internal investigation.
Gardner disappeared from her regular news anchor duties for two weeks the weekend after the alleged altercation.
However, she was reportedly on planned leave and returned to work last Friday evening.
Nine has declined to comment publicly on the complaint against Gardner.
However, the network’s director of news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, said in a statement: ‘Georgie Gardner has long been a highly regarded member of our Nine News team. We will make no further comment.’
There is no suggestion that Gardner has engaged in inappropriate conduct, only that a complaint has been made and an investigation is underway.