Karl Stefanovic believes he can ‘SAVE the Today show’ from its dire ratings – as friends say his ‘ego is still at an all-time high’ despite being axed last year
Karl Stefanovic is ‘desperate’ to return to the Today show to ‘save’ it from its declining ratings, according to friends of the Channel Nine star.
The 45-year-old is said to be ‘confident’ as he prepares to return to the breakfast program, after Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight were axed over the weekend.
A source told New Idea: ‘That ego of his is still at an all-time high as per usual.’
‘Knight in shining armour’: Karl Stefanovic is ‘desperate’ to return to the Today show to ‘save’ it from its declining ratings, according to friends of the Channel Nine star
‘He sees himself like a knight in shining armour riding in to save the day,’ added the insider.
‘He’s desperate to return to save the show from its all-time low ratings.’
Karl recently told Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa that he is Nine’s ‘lucky charm’ and is ‘ready to go in’ and help boost ratings.
‘He sees himself like a knight in shining armour riding in to save the day,’ a source told New Idea. Pictured: Karl and Georgie Gardner (right) on the Today show last year
Back in the saddle! Over the weekend, Nine confirmed that Karl (right) will be returning to the Today show in 2020, alongside new co-host Allison Langdon (left)
It comes after Nine confirmed that Karl will be returning to the Today show in 2020, alongside new co-host Allison Langdon.
Karl was originally axed from the program while on his honeymoon with wife Jasmine Yarbrough last December.
Meanwhile, Georgie has left Today with immediate effect and was absent from Monday’s episode.
Co-host Deborah and newsreader Tom Steinfort gave her a rather awkward send-off shortly before 6am.
Boned! Meanwhile, Georgie Gardner has left Today with immediate effect and was absent from Monday’s episode. Co-anchor Deborah Knight (right) and newsreader Tom Steinfort (left) gave her a rather awkward send-off shortly before 6am
‘We wanted to acknowledge our colleague and friend, Georgie Gardner,’ began Deborah, who has also been axed but won’t leave the show until the end of the year.
‘You might have read over the weekend that Georgie has left the show. After a really challenging year, we want to wish Georgie all the very best.’
Tom added: ‘She has been a committed and passionate member of the team here. I think particularly when she’s been sharing the stories of everyday Australians who are doing it tough. These are issues that she wanted to focus on.
‘She has always been a woman of strength here, a woman of class – and also who could forget that very wicked sense of humour that would just pop up from time to time as well?’
Deborah then reflected on Today’s declining ratings since Georgie replaced Lisa Wilkinson as Karl’s co-host in early 2018.
Not popular: Georgie Gardner (pictured) oversaw a period of significant ratings decline as host of the Today show. She was given her marching orders two weeks ago and her departure was announced on Saturday
‘She gave it a red hot go,’ said Deborah.
‘For now though, Georgie is enjoying the time with her family, friends, taking Wilbur the dog [for a walk] and we look forward to seeing you on our screens again soon.’
On Friday, Georgie’s final episode of Today delivered 191,000 metro viewers.
This marked a significant boost from the record low of 155,000 metro viewers the show had reached earlier this month.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine and Karl’s manager for comment.
Disappointing: On Friday, Georgie’s final episode of Today delivered 191,000 metro viewers. This marked a significant boost from the record low of 155,000 metro viewers the show had reached earlier this month, but was still far behind Channel Seven rivals Sunrise