Today host Karl Stefanovic has addressed Lisa Wilkinson's shock departure from the Nine breakfast show live on-air, calling his former co-host's decision a "surprise to us all".
Wilkinson shocked fans and industry insiders on Monday evening, announcing she was leaving the breakfast show following a pay dispute with Nine.
She promptly revealed she would be joining rival network Ten.
All eyes were on Today on Tuesday morning - where Weekend Today host Deb Knight was called on to fill-in for the departed Wilkinson - to see how the team would react to the sudden news.
In a lengthy tribute to his former co-host, Stefanovic called Wilkinson's decision a "shock".
"We love Lisa and she's made the decision to move on," he began.
"For ten years she handled those brutal, brutal hours with grace, beauty, intelligence and a wicked, wicked sense of humour.
"For whatever reason, she won't be doing that anymore and it was a surprise to us all. It's safe to say we were all a little bit shocked and it will take a little while to sink in," he said.
"So for now, just this, Lisa. Thank you. Thank you for the laughs, the sage advice, the calmness, oh the calmness," he continued.
"And thank you for all your support. Thank you for being a great colleague. Thanks for being a great interviewer. Thanks for being a great dancer and a truly, truly terrible singer. Thanks for being a great mum; I know you value that more than anything else.
"Mostly you go with my love, all my love. We will see you soon, maybe after midday. Enjoy the sleep," he joked.
Newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys, who has already been touted among the frontrunners to replace Wilkinson, praised the star as an inspiration to women.
"Here is the thing, seeing is believing for young girls and for young women, and what they see in Lisa is a strong, influential, fun and compassionate woman at the very top of her game, and that is a powerful thing," said Jeffreys.
The sentiment was echoed by Knight, who called Wilkinson "proud, passionate and principled".
"You are much admired and loved by our viewers, and the broader Australian community. All the very best, and we wish you all our love as well," she said, as the entire panel applauded.
Stefanovic had opened the show at 5.30am on Tuesday by acknowledging it was a "very big" day following the shock departure of his co-host after a decade.
Network Ten announced on Monday evening that Wilkinson would be joining the broadcaster in a "senior hosting and editorial role" - including hosting gigs on The Project and The Sunday Project - commencing in January.
Wilkinson's announcement has delighted her future co-workers. On Tuesday morning, Studio 10 co-host Ita Buttrose said she and the former Today star "go right back" to their days working at Cleo.
"I started the centrefold, she stopped the centrefold," she quipped.
Fellow panellist Joe Hildebrand praised Wilkinson's "masterfully executed coup".
"It took everybody by surprise," he said. "Welcome aboard. And just for the record, anybody from Channel Ten watching, I am more than happy to be working for half of Karl Stefanovic's salary."
"Seeing is believing for young girls and what they see in Lisa is a strong, influential, fun and compassionate woman." #9Today pic.twitter.com/YQaWEXm6fu??? The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) October 16, 2017
- with Broede Carmody
