Insiders reveal who’s in the running to replace Tim Davies on Today — as behind-the-scenes talks unfold amid a major shake-up
Tim Davies is preparing to walk away from the Today weather desk after seven years — and Nine may already have a familiar face waiting in the wings.
Taylor Haynes, a 27-year-old social reporter who has increasingly become a recognisable presence across Nine’s coverage, is being tipped to take over the role when Davies delivers his final weather bulletin on September 18.
Nine has not yet officially confirmed the appointment, but the speculation has placed Haynes firmly in the spotlight at a time of major change for the breakfast program.
From behind the scenes to a familiar face on screen
Haynes’ journey at Nine began away from the cameras.
She initially joined the network as an assistant to television presenter Sonia Kruger after discovering her passion for television while attending a live recording of The Voice in 2018.
“I told my mother this is what I want to do. I want to be like host Sonia Kruger. I’m going to work on this show,” she previously recalled.
She went on to spend around three years working as a producer before making the move in front of the camera.
In February 2023, Haynes was promoted to social reporter.
Since then, she has covered everything from major sporting events and red carpets to entertainment and weather stories.
Now, an unexpected next step
According to reports, Haynes has spent the past two years regularly filling in on the weather desk.
That experience has now made her one of the names being discussed as a possible successor to Davies.
If the reports prove correct, it would represent a significant step in her career — moving from social reporting into one of Today‘s most recognisable on-air roles.
Nine has said an announcement about Davies’ replacement will be made in the coming weeks.
For now, Haynes’ appointment remains unconfirmed.
She has already had her share of unforgettable broadcasts
Haynes is no stranger to the unpredictable nature of live television.
Earlier this year, she found herself at the centre of a particularly painful broadcast when a large crab grabbed her finger during a segment.
The incident reportedly caused significant nerve damage and quickly attracted attention online.
It was another reminder of the kind of unexpected moments that come with reporting from outside the studio.
And if she does inherit Davies’ role, there will be plenty of expectations to meet.
Tim Davies leaves some very big shoes to fill
Davies announced that September 18 will be his final morning on Today after more than seven years with the program.
During that time, he has become synonymous with adventurous weather crosses, travelling across Australia and overseas and taking part in everything from skydiving and bungee jumping to abseiling and encounters with sharks and crocodiles.
He has also clocked up more than 900 flights during his Today career.
But Davies has said the decision to leave is ultimately about knowing when it is time for something different.
“People always tell me I’ve got the best job in TV and they’re not wrong,” he said.
Yet after years of early starts and constant travel, he said he was ready to step back, get some sleep and prepare for his next adventure.
A changing Today faces another major handover
Davies’ departure comes during an unsettled period for Today.
The program has already undergone significant changes following Karl Stefanovic’s exit, while Sarah Abo is currently on maternity leave.
That makes the choice of Davies’ successor another important decision for Nine as it looks to shape the show’s next era.
Morning Television Director Steven Burling paid tribute to Davies, saying he had left an enormous impression on regional communities by giving their stories a national platform.
“Tim is a much-loved member of the Today hosting family and he leaves enormous shoes to fill,” Burling said.
Could Taylor Haynes be the next face viewers wake up to?
For Haynes, the opportunity would be a remarkable progression from her early days working behind the scenes.
She has already spent years learning the rhythm of breakfast television, built experience in front of the camera and become a regular presence across Nine’s coverage.
Now, with Davies preparing to step away, attention is turning to the young reporter who has quietly been gaining experience in his place.
Nine has yet to make the final call public.
But if Taylor Haynes is the person chosen to take over, Today viewers may soon be waking up to a very different face delivering the weather — and watching the beginning of an entirely new chapter for one of Nine’s most recognisable roles.