Familiar faces return to celebrate Today Show's 40th anniversary
In celebration of the Today Show's 40 year anniversary, a group of alumni returned to the couch on Friday morning to share some of their favourite moments from working on the show.
In the special anniversary episode, Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon were joined by former hosts Steve Liebmann, Sue Kellaway, Liz Hayes, Tracy Grimshaw, Georgie Gardner, and Richard Wilkins to reminisce on the show's history.
When quizzed about their most memorable time while in the hosting chair, Liz Hayes said it was the time she was banned by then-premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen from visiting, or living in, Queensland.
Steve Liebmann, who hosted Today for close to 20 years, reflected on covering the tragedy of 9/11 in 2001, saying it was a "long night", as he spoke to his sister who was in New York when the situation unfolded.
Liz Hayes and Tracy Grimshaw bonded over their hatred for the early morning starts, but admitted their love of the job was worth the sleepless nights.
Tracy also reflected on her coverage of a live birth almost 20 years ago, saying she will "never forget such a moment".
Richard Wilkins, who worked with each of the ex-hosts throughout his career, shared his adoration for all them as a "great bunch of talent", as he reflected on the big names in entertainment he had interviewed over the years.
With musicians such as P!nk, Taylor Swift, Robbie Williams, Keith Urban, Michael Bublé performing on the show over the years, Wilkins said working on the show had been a "privilege".
Georgie Gardner reflected on all the heart-warming community stories the show has run over the years, saying helping people and connecting with the audience "is one of the best parts of the job."
Georgie also laughed as she recalled the many times she fumbled over her lines while reading the news, admitting, "As the years went on I am ashamed to say I got smuttier and looser."
Ex-host Lisa Wilkinson also made a surprise appearance in a pre-recorded tribute to the show, five years after her dramatic exit.
She said, “A big piece of my heart with always stay right there with the Today show family and all the years we spent together at breakfast”.
Karl and Ally finished up the reunion saying they are excited to see what the next 40 years brings with the future of the Today Show.
Image credits: The Today Show