Georgie Gardner is delighted about her new 'TODAY' co-host Deborah Knight

It's an Australian first to have two women at the helm of a breakfast show and It's an Australian first to have two women at the helm of a breakfast show's Georgie Gardner couldn't be happier about her newly-appointed co-host, Deborah Knight.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Gardner, 48, expressed her delight and said it was "about time" women were at the helm of the show.

"It is about time, don't you think? They have been doing it in the States for years. The fact that Deb is female is just a coincidence," she stated.

"The decision-makers were looking for someone with the right credentials and, the fact that she is female, I think, is an added bonus. But make no mistake, there is nothing tokenistic about this appointment. It was the right person for the job and I am thrilled," she added.

The history-making moment has also not been lost on Knight, 46, who spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about the significance of having a female-led cast over the age of 40 and how that would impact Australian viewers.

"It's a big thing to have two women presenting the show. I think Australian TV, and Nine, is reflecting the state of the media in this country."

She continued, "There was a time, 20 years ago, women over a certain age were considered out to pasture and we still have a way to go, but Australian society and Australian media is reflecting the fact that we are a bit more sophisticated."

Praising 46-year-old Knight, Gardner revealed that they have "known each other a long time" and that she is "a great girl" and a "highly regarded journo."

"She is incredibly down-to-earth, has a great sense of humour. She is rock solid and to have her as a co-host, I think is incredibly valuable to the show, but also inspires great confidence in me because if you need a strong, capable, reliable wing person she is it. We are really lucky to have her."

The Nine presenter also confirmed that she was consulted on who her new partner on the show should be following the departure of Karl Stefanovic.

"I was consulted, without question. After all it is a very unique relationship to be sharing a desk with someone for three-and-a-half hours from 5.30 in the morning," she said.

"You can understand that out of respect I was brought into the consultation."

After the departure of Stefanovic, 44, from the much-loved breakfast show, Gardner also confirmed that they had remained in touch and the two were on good terms.

"Karl and I had a lot of fun on that show together. I was on the desk for seven years as news presenter and obviously a year hosting together.

"He and I know each other very well. I have a lot of love for him and we have a very solid friendship and respect and I am excited for him in terms of the next chapter of his personal and professional life.

"He and I have chatted extensively and there certainly never has been bad blood, despite what has been written, and there certainly isn't now."

As theTODAY team gear up to move south to Melbourne for the two week duration of the Australian Open, the show's Executive Producer, Steve Burling, couldn't be more excited to be debuting the new lineup at the world famous sports event.

"It goes without saying that a lot of planning has gone into the production here at Melbourne park," he told Nine.

"Hundreds of our staff have put in thousands of hours to create what I believe to be the best outside broadcast location I've ever seen."

"It's a wonderful opportunity for our new 'TODAY' hosts to come together as a team; and being in such a spectacular location with a festival atmosphere, is an absolute bonus as far as I'm concerned.

He added, "These are great journos, personalities and characters - viewers will love waking up to them in 2019."

TODAY's new lineup includes Sylvia Jeffreys' replacement as newsreader, Tom Steinfort, legendary Melbourne sports presenter Tony Jones, Nine Finance Editor Ross Greenwood and former ABC journalist and Triple J newsreader Brooke Boney as entertainment reporter alongside Brooke Boney as entertainment reporter.

The new-look team airs this Monday, January 14.