Awkward start for Today show newcomer Michael Atkinson as new sports presenter misses early bulletins on first day
The Today show has wasted no time filling the gap left by departing sports presenter Danika Mason, announcing fan favourite Michael Atkinson as her replacement just days after her emotional on-air farewell.
Michael, who has already become a familiar face to viewers through his role as Weekend Today co-host, will officially step into the coveted weekday sports presenter role following Danika’s departure last week.
It was not smooth sailing on his first day in the role, however, as he missed the first three sports bulletins on Monday morning and was seen sprinting into the studio more than an hour after the Today show’s usual 5.30am broadcast began.
Michael said it was a ‘pleasure’ to be taking on the role while being grilled by his fellow co-hosts.
‘What time do you call this my friend?’ Sylvia asked, to which Michael replied, ‘I call this Weekend Today time.’
‘I woke up and I saw cameraman Isaac on [the sport desk] and I thought, this show’s in trouble,’ he added.
Michael Atkinson (pictured) has been appointed the new Today show sport presenter
The appointment comes after Danika revealed on Friday she would be leaving Today after two years, admitting the demands of her growing family and busy career had forced her to make a difficult decision.
‘I am going on maternity leave as we are probably all aware, but I have had to make the decision of what I am going to do when I come back next year,’ she told her co-stars Tom Steinfort, Sylvia Jeffreys and Jayne Azzopardi.
‘Obviously juggling all my NRL commitments, the Today show and a new baby as well, something had to give. So I have made the pretty tough decision. So, when I return next year, I won’t be coming back to the show.’
‘Absolutely loved my time. We have had the best audience, the best team. It has been such a fun two years, and everyone who is in here in the morning, all our floor crew, you guys are just amazing. I’ve had the best time.’
Tom, Sylvia and Jayne expressed their sorrow at the news, telling Danika that she will be thoroughly missed.
Danika joked that she will ‘still be waking up early’, but not for work, after welcoming her first child.
‘You never know what can happen in the future, so for now we’re so excited about this next chapter, but something had to give,’ she added.
Days later, Danika revealed that she would not be away from the sporting world for long, and planned to be on the ground to cover the NRL next year.
It was not smooth sailing on his first day in the role as he missed the first three sports bulletins on Monday morning and was seen sprinting into the studio more than an hour after the Today show’s usual 5.30am broadcast began
Michael said it was a ‘pleasure’ to be taking on the role while being grilled by his fellow co-hosts. ‘What time do you call this my friend?’ Sylvia asked
‘I don’t think I will go over to Vegas for obvious reasons. But I’ll be back for round one in Australia,’ the 35-year-old told The Daily Telegraph.
Danika then joked that her unborn daughter could soon be a fixture of the game, as she may accompany her on-field reports.
‘She can come along to some games, especially if they are interstate! My mum has already offered to help, but she can travel with us,’ she said.
Danika finished by saying that she had been overwhelmed by the support she had received since announcing her departure, adding that she was thrilled to now have a quieter schedule.
‘The phone has been blowing up. It’s been so nice. So many people have reached out,’ she said.
‘Six days a week and sometimes, you know, working mornings and then flying somewhere and still being on air at 10.30pm is pretty hectic alone, let alone when we’ve got a little girl coming into the world!’
Danika Mason, who is expecting her first child with NRL star Liam Knight, tearfully made her departure announcement on Friday morning
Danika has been a regular fixture on the Channel Nine breakfast show since joining the program two years ago.
Her decision to leave the Today show comes after a series of shock departures from the program.
Last month, the program’s longtime weatherman Tim Davies shared an emotional farewell with viewers as he bid goodbye after seven years on the show.
Meanwhile, former co-host Sarah Abo also left the show in September after reports she had expressed disappointment to senior Nine executives over the handling of Stefanovic’s termination before beginning her maternity leave in July.
Stefanovic’s departure in June followed his controversial interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson for his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.
Sylvia and Tom were confirmed as the replacement Today hosting team last month.
