Tom & Laura's happy holiday BABIES, BEACHES & THE BEST JOB EVER!

The Newshub stars have great expectations for the big day

- Florence Hartigan

Twelve months ago, Laura Tupou had never even read an autocue, let alone presented the news. Now the former Newshub reporter, who is due to give birth to her second daughter any day now, will be coming back from maternity leave to a brand-new gig – joining i Tom McRae in presenting the 6pm weekend bulletins on Three.

“When I was offer the position, I was absolutely stoked,” smiles Laura, 32, who’s set to replace Melissa Chan-Green when she r on the revamped morning show AM. “I’m really honoured and humbled I was even considered d for the role, let alone that I got it!

“I’ve learned so much from Tom and Mel, and I’ve always loved their on-screen chemistry. I can’t believe I’m going g to be in the same timeslot. This time last year, a job like this wasn’t even on my radar. I didn’t think I’d get the chance for something like this so soon in my career.”

However, Laura’s partner Andrew Patterson has some mixed feelings about the opportunity. “Mel and Tom are his favourite newsreader pair, so it’s bittersweet for him!” jokes Laura, who was covering presenter Kanoa Lloyd’s maternity leave on The Project until recently. “But I get on really well with Tom and Mel’s messaged me to say, ‘You’ve got one of the best jobs in the world,’ so I’m really looking forward to working with the weekend crew.”