For over four decades, Tracy Grimshaw has been a TV fixture, bringing Australians everything from news bulletins, exclusive interviews and political scoops.
And while the A Current Affair host, 61, is never one to shy away from asking the hard-hitting questions, very little is known about her life away from the small screen.
WATCH: Sylvia Jeffreys talks about working with Tracy Grimshaw
Speaking to New Idea, a former co-worker of Tracy’s says there’s a reason the presenter, who began her career at National Nine News in 1981, leads an elusive life – and it’s all down to her dedication to the job.
“The truth is, her worst nightmare is becoming the story,” tells the source. “Tracy takes her career very seriously, and she would never allow herself to make headlines like so many anchors have.”
New Idea hears that sparking a media frenzy equal to the sensation that was Karl Stefanovic’s shock departure from Today or Lisa Wilkinson’s exit from the Nine Network over pay negotiations, would be Tracy’s worst nightmare.
“Having a media circus focused on how much she earns or her pay negotiations is something she would detest,” tells the insider. “She would prefer uncovering stories – not being splashed across newspapers.”
Interestingly, the source reveals that while her TV peers, including the likes of Sarah Harris and Natalie Barr, all have high-profile publicists, Tracy has refused having a manager for most of her 40-year career.
WATCH: Tracy Grimshaw reflects on Don Burke interview (Story continues after video)
“For the longest time, Tracy has managed and negotiated her contracts herself,” tells the source, adding that she has never been focused on building her public profile outside of her work.
“While most stars wouldn’t think twice before attending a fancy party, Tracy actually spends a lot of her time researching her stories,” the source says, insisting her A Current Affair role is not one she would ever give up lightly.
Moments that shocked!
Don Burke
Despite both working for the Nine Network for many years, Tracy did not pull any punches when she interviewed Don Burke in 2017 after allegations surfaced that he was a “sexual predator” – claims he has denied.
Gordon Ramsay
Following his 2009 interview with Tracy, Gordon went on to describe the ACA host as a “lesbian”, before he likened an image of her to a pig. Tracy hit back, branding him a “bully”.
Hey Dad…! cast
In an exclusive interview, Tracy spoke with five cast members from Hey Dad..! where they talked through their thoughts on their former co-star Robert Hughes’ trial, in which he was found guilty of 10 charges relating to sexual and indecent acts.
Scott Morrison
In March, Tracy beat out the ABC’s Leigh Sales to interview the prime minister, and she made sure to turn up the heat when asking for his take on the prevalence of sexual misconduct in parliament.
For more, pick up a copy of New Idea. On sale now!
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