New Frontrunner for 9News Weekend Host Unveiled

The top candidate to replace axed 9News presenter  has been revealed, with A Current Affair co-host emerging as the frontrunner for the coveted weekend news role.

Knight, 53, is tipped to be officially named as Gardner's replacement by Monday night, reports Media Diary.

She is said to have narrowly beaten veteran presenter Mark Burrows for the role.

The veteran presenter has over three decades of experience and worked alongside Gardner on the Today show from 2011 - 2014.

Last month, it was revealed that 60 Minutes reporter Amelia Adams .

The shake-up follows Gardner's final 9News bulletin last month,

'Watching that reel is a reminder of what hideous hair I've had over the years... also how much fun I've had,' she quipped, after a montage of her career played.

She went on to reflect on the responsibility of delivering the news, describing it as 'an enormous privilege' and thanking viewers for their trust over the years.

The veteran broadcaster was almost overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to viewers.

Weather presenter Sophie Walsh spoke about the influence she had on her own career.

'Tonight [is] a sad night for all of us here at Nine, as Georgie, you read your last bulletin. The place isn't going to be the same without you – I'm going to get a little emotional here,' Sophie said, fighting back tears. 

Prior to her final farewell, a montage package played, showing highlights from Gardner's long and storied career as Cold Chisel's Ian Moss played the classic Georgia On My Mind over the footage.

An emotional Georgie said that she was 'blown away' by her colleagues' words.

'The pace and the complexity of the news cycle, and how delivering it to you, has been just such an enormous privilege,' she said.