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Tom Steinfort and Samantha Armytage look set to become the new hosts of the Today show after their stint on the breakfast program last week led to a boost in ratings.
Channel Nine has been trialling hosts for the show since Karl Stefanovic left in June, following the fallout from his controversial interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson on his podcast. Sarah Abo went on maternity leave last month.
And it seems they found the right fit in Steinfort, 41, and Armytage, 49, as they have helped lift ratings by an impressive 60,000 viewers.
The ten per cent ratings boost has seen Channel Nine bosses eye the pair for permanent appointments, according to The Australian.
However, viewers will have to wait until August 24 for Armytage to take up the position as she is currently in Thailand on business.
Until then, Today Extra co-host Sylvia Jeffreys is manning the desk alongside Steinfort.
Tom Steinfort and Samantha Armytage look set to become the new hosts of the Today show after their stint on the breakfast program last week led to a boost in ratings
While Nine still has a long way to go to close the gap on rival Channel Seven breakfast show Sunrise, Today's ratings moved in the right direction during Steinfort's stint.
Wednesday’s show drew 756,000 viewers nationally — up from 696,000 the previous Wednesday when Michael Willesee Jr was behind the desk with Armytage.
The boost continued on Thursday, with Today attracting 722,000 viewers, compared to 686,000 the week before.
An industry insider praised Steinfort's performance during the week.
'This week was much more of a comfortable watch,' they told The Daily Telegraph.
'Tom is a great pick, he has a strong work ethic. He is good... His wife is from Sydney, they could easily pack their bags.'
Steinfort is already highly regarded within the network and is no stranger to the Today desk.
The veteran presenter served as Today's newsreader during the Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner era in 2019, and later became one of 60 Minutes' most recognisable reporters.
Steinfort, 41, and Armytage, 49, helped lift ratings by an impressive 60,000 viewers
Channel Nine has been trialling hosts for the show since Karl Stefanovic left in June, following the fallout from his controversial interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson on his podcast. Sarah Abo went on maternity leave last month
He has also previously co-hosted Weekend Today, making his return to breakfast television feel like a familiar role.
Viewers have been impressed by Steinfort's polished on-screen presence, natural chemistry with the team and ability to bring a fresh energy to the breakfast show.
Many also suggested making him a permanent member.
'Keep Tom but please change the other host,' one person wrote on social media.
'I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I'd love for him to take over from Karl!' another added.
'I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!' a third chimed in.
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