Samantha Hayes makes silky smooth 6pm news debut

Samantha Hayes has taken the hot seat beside Mike McRoberts - and viewers have nothing but praise for her first stint anchoring the 6pm news.

Hayes was named as Hilary Barry's replacement on Sunday after the veteran broadcaster's shock exit from the network - and her dual roles on Paul Henry and Newshub at 6pm - after 23 years.

Ingrid Hipkiss has taken on Barry's role on Paul Henry's morning news and radio show.

Hayes posted on Twitter before the broadcast that she hoped Monday night was her first show of many.

See you in a few minutes for the first show of (hopefully) many @NewshubNZ @MrMikeMcRoberts pic.twitter.com/oDigJu1ywV

— Samantha Hayes (@SamHayes_) May 30, 2016

But according to feedback from viewers, she has nothing to worry about.

Many took to Twitter to praise Hayes on a great first night in the role.

is doing so well! Hilary who? @NewshubNZ @MrMikeMcRoberts

— AnneliseJoy (@AnneliseJoy) May 30, 2016

@SamHayes_ it was awesome watching you on news hub tonight

— James Ogrady (@JamesOgrady21) May 30, 2016

@SamHayes_ You belong at 6pm, Sam! Congrats on a great first broadcast

— Jack Wheeler (@JackDeRio) May 30, 2016

And that wasn't all: Hayes even received a tantalising offer from this smooth mover.

TV3's former Head of News Mark Jennings said he approved of MediaWorks' decision to hire Hayes in the high-profile slot.

"I think Sam Hayes will make this work," Jennings wrote for The Spinoff. "She will give it her all, but one thing she won't do is try to be Hilary Barry."

While Hayes' debut was well-received, Hipkiss' first day didn't go as well, with Henry accidentally introducing her as 'Hilary' in her first broadcast.