Getting the axe? Richard Wilkins future on the Today show ‘in doubt’ as rumours swirl that colleagues Karl and Peter Stefanovic are also on the chopping block
Rumours have been rife that Karl Stefanovic and brother Peter will soon be forced out of their hosting gigs on Today and Weekend Today respectively.
And now it seems another familiar face on breakfast TV may soon be getting the tap on the shoulder.
In this week’s edition of The Sunday Telegraph, it was reported that entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins is in the firing line.
Getting the axe? Richard Wilkins’ (pictured) future on the Today show ‘ín doubt’… as rumours continue to swirl that colleagues Karl and Peter Stefanovic are also on the chopping block
Following the recent resignation of Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert, Richard’s former segment producer Steve Burling has stepped in to run the show.
According to the publication, Richard is feeling ‘safe’ thanks to his good relationship with Steve, with one source revealing: ‘They’re old mates. Burling has always had a great relationship with Dickie,’
Despite Richard and Steve’s good relationship, the Telegraph claimed that the new EP’s ‘first test of character’ would involve firing the longstanding entertainment reporter.
Time’s up? According to The Sunday Telegraph, Richard (pictured with colleague Georgie Gardner) could soon be out of a job
‘He’s had a golden run. He’s been at Nine for over 30 years – and he’s partied for most of them,’ another source added.
Channel Nine declined to comment.
It was also claimed over the weekend that Weekend Today host Peter Stefanovic ‘will be out of contract with employer Nine at the end of the month’.
On the out? Rumours are rife that Karl and Peter Stefanovic’s jobs on Today and Weekend Today respectively are also not safe
Will he get the chop? The Today show has been struggling all year with ratings while Karl constantly finds himself in the headlines
However, last week Channel Nine denied claims Peter will be removed from the helm.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, a spokesperson insisted the claims were ‘not true’.
Problems have plagued the Today show all year, with ratings plummeting to their lowest levels in 12 years and Karl facing constant media scrutiny.
Speculation has persisted that Karl’s days as a Today host are numbered.
The reported frontrunner to take Karl’s job is Adelaide newsreader Brenton Ragless, who is currently filling in for his newly-married colleague.
The new Karl? Brenton Ragless (left) is rumoured to be the frontrunner for the Today gig