Karl Stefanovic is ‘struggling to understand why he is so unpopular’

Embattled Channel Nine star Karl Stefanovic is reportedly ‘struggling to understand why he is so unpopular’, as his future at the Today show hangs in the balance.

Last month, it was reported that the 44-year-old could possibly be sacked after Today’s ratings plunged to an embarrassing 12-year low.

And Woman’s Day reported on Monday that Karl has been ‘wondering how it all went wrong’ as viewers turn their backs on him due to his tumultuous private life.

‘He’s incredibly cocky’: Karl Stefanovic is ‘struggling to understand why he is so unpopular’ after his marriage split… as his job at the Today show hangs in the balance amid plummeting ratings. Pictured last week on Today with his co-host Georgie Gardner (right)

An unnamed TV executive claimed: ‘He’s incredibly cocky, but the negative press has been relentless, and even he has to wonder how it all went so wrong so quickly.

‘And with Today’s ratings at an all-time low, it doesn’t take a genius to work out he needs to go.’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine and Karl’s manager for comment.

Karl’s public image has taken a battering since he left his wife-of-21-years Cassandra Thorburn in 2016, with female viewers finding his behaviour a ‘turn off’.

His subsequent relationship with former model-turned-shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough – who is nine years his junior – has also attracted negative headlines.

Bad look: Karl's public image has taken a battering since he left his wife-of-21-years Cassandra Thorburn in 2016, with female viewers finding his behaviour a 'turn off'. Pictured with his new fiancée Jasmine Yarbrough (left), who he met just a few months after ending his marriage

Bad look: Karl’s public image has taken a battering since he left his wife-of-21-years Cassandra Thorburn in 2016, with female viewers finding his behaviour a ‘turn off’. Pictured with his new fiancée Jasmine Yarbrough (left), who he met just a few months after ending his marriage

Last month, Karl’s boss fired a warning shot in the wake of multiple reports he could face the sack due to falling ratings.

Channel Nine chief executive Hugh Marks revealed that while Karl’s job was safe for now, everyone on the show – ‘especially Karl’ – needed to lift their game.

‘Clearly, it’s been a tough and challenging year for Karl and Today,’ Marks said. 

‘No doubt the constant publicity surrounding issues with his personal life has had an impact on Karl, his colleagues and on the show. We can’t hide from that.

‘And as a result we know there’s a lot of hard work to be done to win back the audience.’ 

Oh, no! Woman's Day reported on Monday that Karl has been 'wondering how it all went wrong' as viewers turn their backs on him due to his tumultuous private life. Pictured: Karl and his now ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn in June 2012

Oh, no! Woman's Day reported on Monday that Karl has been 'wondering how it all went wrong' as viewers turn their backs on him due to his tumultuous private life. Pictured: Karl with his new fiancée Jasmine in April 2018

Oh, no! Woman’s Day reported on Monday that Karl has been ‘wondering how it all went wrong’ as viewers turn their backs on him due to his tumultuous private life. Pictured left: Karl and his now ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn in June 2012, and right: with his new fiancée Jasmine in April

These comments followed an explosive report in The Sunday Telegraph that Karl could be replaced as Today host by early 2019.

‘Top-level sources at Channel Nine’s Willoughby studios say [he] is officially “gone”,’ the newspaper stated while referencing an alleged insider.  

It was also reported that Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert could face the chop as well as part of an ‘engine room makeover’.

They're not happy! Market research reportedly shows that female viewers are turned off by Karl's relationship with Jasmine, who is nine years his junior. Last month, it emerged that the Today show's ratings had plummeted to a 12-year low

They’re not happy! Market research reportedly shows that female viewers are turned off by Karl’s relationship with Jasmine, who is nine years his junior. Last month, it emerged that the Today show’s ratings had plummeted to a 12-year low

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