Karl Stefanovic's new co-shot at Today finally announced

Georgie Gardner has been announced as Lisa Wilkinson’s replacement on the Today show, returning to the desk after a three-year absence to co-host the morning show with Karl Stefanovic.

Gardner, 46, said the job was “an enormous privilege” and talked with her family before accepting the gruelling gig.

Her 10-year-old son, Gus, told her, “take the role, you’ll be so tired you won’t have to cook dinner and we can get take away”.

Gardner has previously appeared on Today as the newsreader from 2007 to 2014

She had denied a return to morning TV earlier this month, saying the “punishing hours” for the mother of two young children ruled her out.

She was the Nine Network’s first choice to fill Lisa Wilkinson’s position after the former co-host sensationally quit and defected to Network Ten last month after a pay contract talks broke down.

 “It’s a most extraordinary opportunity,” Gardner said on air this morning. “Of course, you know, big shoes to fill. I know acutely how much love and respect there has been for Lisa. She will always be part of the Today show landscape as will the women who went before her.”

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The new Today appointment has propelled Gardner into one of the most coveted roles on Australian television.