Karl Stefanovic has made a shock announcement that he is returning to the Today show on Channel 9.
A source told New Idea that Stefanovic was set to return to the Today show after the program’s ratings suffered when he left the line-up in December last year.
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“They have realised they need an alpha male co-host back on Today. Enter Karl … who agreed to go into the wilderness for a year,” the source said.
Georgie Gardner was joined by Deborah Knight on the panel during the co-host’s departure.
The Today host will also return for the second season of Channel 9’s This Time Next Year.
The rumours that the Nine Network have been discussing the 44-year-old’s potential return as co-host have been circulating for months.
Channel 9 advised Karl Stefanovic to fly under the radar after he left the Australian breakfast show.
At the time of his departure, Stefanovic had been receiving a great deal of negative attention surrounding his personal life after his split from ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn.
Karl’s statement at the time was a thankful and optimistic one, which insinuated that he would be returning to Channel nine eventually.
“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great network soon.”
Karl’s brother Peter Stefanovic also recently landed a role with Sky News, adding to the positive change in the brothers careers after the ‘Ubergate’ scandal.
“I’m excited. Thrilled about it, actually,’ Peter told News Corp. “It’s a great challenge, a wonderful opportunity and a fantastic privilege to be asked to be part of the Sky News team.”
Rob McKnight from TV Blackbox told New Idea that Karl was “one of the best presenters on Australian television.”
With the support of both the viewership and the Nine Network, the only question remaining is whether Karl’s return to the Today Show will be embraced by the rest of the line-up.
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