Danika Mason announces her departure from Today
Updated . First published at
Today sports presenter Danika Mason has announced she is leaving the show permanently, as she heads off on maternity leave.
Mason confirmed her departure in an emotional announcement on Friday, which is beginning a week earlier than expected “on doctor’s orders”.
Mason announced her departure live on Friday’s Today show. Today
She shared what a tough decision it was with Today viewers.
“I’m going on maternity leave as we probably are all aware, but I’ve had to make the decision on what I do when I come back next year,” she began.
“And obviously juggling all my NRL commitments, the Today show, and then a new baby as well – something had to give, so I’ve made the pretty tough decision. When I return next year, I won’t be coming back to the show.”
Mason said she’d absolutely loved her time on the show.
“We have the best audience, we have the best team, and it has been just such a fun two years,” she said.
Today co-hosts Tom Steinfort, Sylvia Jeffreys and news presenter Jayne Azzopardi shared their support for her decision.
“We are going to miss you and the viewers are going to miss you even more, I know that,” Steinfort said.
Jeffreys said she was “selfishly sad” Mason would not be coming back after her leave, but she fully supported her decision.
“The best chapter for you lies ahead, for you and [fiance] Liam, and we’re so excited to see you enter your mum era. You’re going to be absolutely incredible. That is a lucky little baby,” she said.
Mason said it was a bittersweet announcement to share. Today
Mason was “so excited” for her next chapter as a mother, but said it was a bittersweet announcement.
“We are so excited but it’s also so sad to close a chapter as well,” she said.
“It’s been two years with an incredible team, everyone works so hard. It was a decision that I toyed with, to and fro, backflipped here and there.”
Mason and her partner, Liam Knight, will welcome their first child in December.
“Selfishly, we thought we had the pleasure of your company for another week or so, but on doctor’s orders, you have been told to hang up the microphone early, and we are very excited for what’s best for you,” Steinfort told her.
Mason confirmed she would return to Nine to cover the NRL following her mat leave.
“I’ll see you in March next year for the footy,” she said.
“Rugby league will be back in no time, and so will you,” Jeffreys replied.
Mason joined Today in February 2025, after first joining Nine in 2012 as an intern.
We’d love to hear from you
