His future on the Today show is reportedly uncertain after shocking claims were made on Sunday that he’s ‘set to be axed from the Nine program in the coming days.’
And as Australia reacted to the shocking news that he will allegedly lose the top TV job and be ‘replaced in the New Year,’ Karl Stefanovic appeared carefree as he was photographed for the first time amid the scandal.
Following the Courier Mail’s story breaking, the 44-year-old was pictured enjoying a romantic stroll with fiancée Jasmine Yarbrough on Sunday afternoon.
What controversy? Karl Stefanovic looks carefree with fiancée Jasmine Yarbrough as he’s pictured for the first time after reports he will be ‘axed from the Today show’
Enjoying the Spring sunshine, Karl swapped his usual smart work attire for a pair of stripped swimming shorts, loose-fitted grey t-shirt and baseball cap.
The couple, who will marry in December, strolled around Sydney’s affluent harbourside suburb of Mosman with huge smiles on their faces.
Jasmine, 34, couldn’t keep her eyes off her soon-to-be husband as she stared into his eyes through her over-sized sunglasses while he draped his arm around her.
Not a care in the world? Following the Courier Mail’s story, the 44-year-old was pictured enjoying a romantic afternoon stroll with fiancée Jasmine Yarbrough, 34, on Sunday afternoon
His nearest and dearest: Although Karl is yet to directly address the current uncertainty appearing to face his future on the Today show, he broke his silence following the scandal on Sunday with this Instagram photo
‘I’m incredibly grateful for the family and friends I have in this world. It’s all that matters really. I’m so proud of them,’ he wrote alongside the picture with Jasmine, brother Peter Stefanovic and friend Chris Waller
Although Karl is yet to directly address the current uncertainty appearing to face his future on the Today show, he broke his silence following the scandal on Sunday.
In a post shared to Instagram, the TV star praised his fiancée Jasmine and his family and friends and said they’re ‘all that matter’.
He shared a photo which showed him clutching a beer bottle and posing alongside Jasmine, brother Peter Stefanovic and friend Chris Waller.
‘I’m incredibly grateful for the family and friends I have in this world. It’s all that matters really. I’m so proud of them,’ he wrote.
Concerned followers asked for clarity on his future at Today, however their questions went unanswered in the comments section of the post.
‘The Today show just can’t function the same without you Karl,’ one fan wrote.
Sunday, fun day: The couple, who will marry in December, strolled around Sydney’s affluent harbourside suburb of Mosman with huge smiles on their faces
Lots to discuss? The current controversy comes after Channel Nine’s Today show has suffered some of its worst ratings ever recently
The current controversy comes after Channel Nine’s Today show has suffered some of its worst ratings ever recently.
And as viewers continue to tune out, the Courier Mail made the shocking claim on Sunday that Today show co-host would soon be losing his job.
The publication reported that despite Karl’s contract at the station, thought to be worth almost $3 million and not expiring until the end of 2020, he is ‘likely to be replaced in the New Year’.
‘Top-level sources at Channel 9’s Willoughby studios say the embattled Today host is officially ‘gone’,’ the newspaper stated while referencing an alleged insider.
‘Top-level sources at Channel 9’s Willoughby studios say the embattled Today host is officially ‘gone’,’ the newspaper stated while referencing an alleged insider.
It is claimed that Today Extra host David Campbell, 45, is ‘top of the list’ of possible replacements for Karl.
The publication also claimed that Today executive producer Mark Calvert could also face the chop as part of an ‘engine room makeover’.
The article reported that Nine chief Hugh Marks is ‘tipped’ to ‘make a move on Karl this week’ – with the sacking allegedly having been discussed for several weeks.
Will he stay? The article reported that Nine chief Hugh Marks is ‘tipped’ to ‘make a move on Karl this week’ – with the sacking allegedly having been discussed for several weeks
Ratings dive: It is believed the decision has come in the wake of Today’s ratings dive – and that Karl’s controversial personal life has been a leading factor in the audience drop off (Pictured: Karl with current co-host Georgie Gardner)
It is believed the decision has come in the wake of Today’s ratings dive – and that Karl’s controversial personal life has been a leading factor in the audience drop off.
The star’s popularity first suffered following the breakdown of his 21 year marriage to Cassandra Thorburn, 47, in 2016.
It wasn’t helped as he quickly moved on and became engaged to new girlfriend, 34-year-old Jasmine Yarbrough.
The star’s popularity first suffered following the breakdown of his 21 year marriage to Cassandra Thorburn, 47, in 2016 (pictured in 2012)
Data showed that Today viewers first started switching off in September 2016, the month Karl was first pictured without his wedding ring.
Since then ratings have been mostly declining, with Today reportedly seeing their ‘worst figures in 12 years’ recently.
Media analyst Steve Allen told the publication that the show’s popularity has dived, especially among women, as they ‘basically now think [Karl] is an a***hole’.
Just a coincidence? Data showed that Today viewers first started switching off in September 2016, the month Karl was first pictured without his wedding ring
However, all may not be over for Karl just yet.
Despite the newspaper’s sensational claims, executive producer Mark Calvert is standing by the controversial presenter.
He refuted the claims that Karl’s career is on a knife edge, describing him as a ‘bloody great broadcaster’, while stating, ‘we are the first to acknowledge our ratings are not as good right now as we would like.’
Karl’s manager is also said to have denied the accusations to the newspaper that Karl would soon be losing his job on Today.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Today and Karl’s rep for comment.