Tonight will be an important night for the popular Nine journalist as he auditions for the part live on air.
Channel 9 journalist Chris O’Keefe is the red hot favourite to take over as host of Nine’s A Current Affair when Tracy Grimshaw leaves the role at the end of the year.
O’Keefe has been in discussions with Nine’s top brass about the role and, as Peter Ford revealed last night on Nine Radio, was set to audition for the role today.
But opportunity has struck with Tracy now taking the day off.
Instead of a closed audition, O’Keefe will audition for the role live on air as Tracy’s replacement tonight.
TV Blackbox has previously revealed Nine is planning to fill the role internally and O’Keefe is well-liked within executive ranks.
He recently turned down the opportunity to replace Chris Uhlmann as the network’s political editor, due to family commitments in Sydney.
He has won multiple journalism awards for his investigations, including a prestigious Walkley Award.
It’s also no secret Nine Radio has been interested in the rising star for a high-profile radio role. His stints filling in for Jim Wilson on 2GB have been nothing short of a success.
But the TV arm of the company is keen to keep him within its ranks and this could be the perfect role for the man known for his tough interviewing style.
If tonight goes well and the audience responds positively, Chris O’Keefe will be hosting A Current Affair in 2023.
I will no longer watch a Current Affair if Chris O’Keeffe is the host. He is so brash, opinionated and doesn’t have any compassion when talking about sensitive issues.
Did not like Chris O’Keefe on A Current affair.Much prefer Deb Knight,more personable and caring.Definately prefer a female.
Hi, i think Deb knight is the best replacement for the job, she has filled in enough times and is kind and compassionate and another woman. Why not ask tracey?
Leila McKinnon should replace Tracey.
She has filled in for Tracey many times and does an excellent job.
She is always happy and smiles a lot, is very presentable on TV
I am in favor of Leila as she is best suited for the position.
DON”T offer it to Karl Stefanovic,he is a moron. after what he did to his first wife.
I think Chris O’keefe did a great job and always seems to know what he’s talking about.
I also think it’s time a male takes over now as it seems we only see women doing most of the news and current affairs these days, but I loved T. G.
Please anyone but Deb knight, she had a radio show and does well at that. Having her do ACA as well is to much media domination. I mean 5 days a week and 5 Nights of her is overkill and too much. There are many others that would do a good job ie d=Dimity Clancey, Leila McKinnon and so on.
Dimity Clancey is the one for the job always so happy and a very caring person so would be compassionate like Tracey for sure doing stories of that nature . Will miss Tracey though
Oh No, anyone but Chris okeff.. I have watched a current affairs for years but I simply will stop watching if Chris gets the green light…