Today show ratings soar after Tom Steinfort fills in - as co-host Samantha Armytage's replacement is revealed

Tom Steinfort is emerging as a strong contender for a permanent appointment at the Today show after impressing during a successful test week alongside Samantha Armytage.

The respected Nine journalist, 41, has received positive feedback from viewers and network insiders after stepping in as the latest presenter to test for the vacant position following Karl Stefanovic's departure.

And 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 Today drew 756,000 viewers nationally — up from 696,000 the previous Wednesday when Michael Willesee Jr was behind the desk.

The boost continued on Thursday, with Today attracting 722,000 viewers, compared to 686,000 the week before.

Steinfort is set to remain in the co-hosting chair next week, although Armytage will be replaced by Today Extra co-host Sylvia Jeffreys as Nine continues to test different pairings. 

An industry insider praised Steinfort's performance during the week, adding he had successfully proven himself to the network.

'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.

He has also previously co-hosted Weekend Today, making his return to breakfast television a familiar role for the veteran journalist.

His appearance alongside Armytage has also won praise from viewers, with some calling for him to be given the permanent position.

'I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I'd love for him to take over from Karl,' one viewer wrote on social media.

'I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!' another chipped in.

Steinfort will now get another opportunity to make his case when he returns to the Today desk next week, this time alongside Jeffreys.

But he is not the only contender still being considered by Nine.

Veteran reporter Joel Dry remains among the names being floated for the co-hosting position and could still get his chance to test alongside the Today team, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Nine's search is therefore far from over, with the network continuing to assess its options before deciding who will ultimately replace Stefanovic.

For now, Steinfort's improved ratings and positive viewer response have strengthened his position as one of the contenders for the coveted role.

But even with Steinfort in the chair, Today still faces a sizeable challenge in the breakfast ratings battle.

Seven's Sunrise attracted more than one million viewers nationally on both Wednesday and Thursday, maintaining its sizeable lead over its Nine rival.