Lisa Wilkinson has spent her first day following her dramatic exit from the Today show with her elderly mother, who she admits is “very worried” about her.

The 57-year-old presenter announced on Monday night she would be leaving Nine after a decade at the network, shortly before revealing she had taken a position at rival network Ten as a host on its panel show The Project.

Speaking to news.com.au outside her home in Sydney’s Cremorne, Wilkinson said her phone had “gone into meltdown” since Nine confirmed it could not meet expectations for her contract negotiation.

“I’m going off to see my 89-year-old mum, who was possibly my most loyal fan on the Today show,” a smiling Wilkinson said.

“She’s very worried about me and I’m just going to go see her and let her know that I’m absolutely okay. In fact, I’m more than ok – I’m great.”

Wilkinson is said to have walked out because Nine refused to pay her the same amount as her co-host, Karl Stefanovic, who receives a reported $2 million a year.

Asked about the failed pay negotiations, Wilkinson said: “I don’t have anything to say at this stage.

“I’ve always been a very hard worker, and I’ve always been very proud of my work and I’ve loved every single job I’ve ever had,” she said.

“I feel very privileged with all the opportunities I’ve been afforded over the years.”

While the exact circumstances surrounding Wilkinson’s departure are unknown, an industry insider told The New Daily there was tension surrounding Wilkinson’s decision to write for The Huffington Post rather than Nine’s Honey lifestyle page.

The source added Wilkinson was receiving a “very, very good wage” from the network.

Reports have suggested negotiations for Wilkinson’s annual pay packet going forward reached a figure of $1.8 million, but it was not enough to match Stefanovic’s salary.

Entertainment reporter Peter Ford said on The Kyle and Jackie O Show Wilkinson’s swipe card to access the Nine building was cancelled at 5.05pm on Monday.

Those on Twitter also noticed a team photo featuring Wilkinson has already been removed from Today’s official Twitter page.

On Tuesday, Karl Stefanovic admitted on air he was “shocked” by his co-host’s sudden departure and thanked her for “the laughs, the sage advice, the calmness”.

“For whatever reason she won’t be doing [the Today show] anymore. It is safe to say we are all a little shocked and it will take time to sink in,” he said.

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