Today’s Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner ‘want Karl Stefanovic to join them on the desk’

Despite Nine doing repeatedly denying that Karl Stefanovic is headed back to the Today show, sources have revealed that he has the support of two unlikely allies.

Both Today show hosts Georgie Gardner and Deborah Knight reportedly want the ousted anchor to join them on the desk.

As reported by New Idea on Monday, an ‘insider’ said: ‘They have both come up with the same idea and want to co-host alongside Karl.’ 

 

Time for his return? On Monday, New Idea reported that Today’s Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie Gardner (right) ‘want Karl Stefanovic to join them on the desk’… as the morning show continues to suffer dire ratings

They added: ‘They both have very different reasons about why they want to work with Karl again. And they both bring some very valid points to the table.’ 

However, a representative from Nine told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that there was no truth in New Idea’s allegations.

Karl’s return would be a relatively easy one for Nine, as the 44-year-old remains on contract with the network, despite being ousted from the Today show in December last year.

As reported by New Idea on Monday, an 'insider' said: 'They have both come up with the same idea and want to co-host alongside Karl.' Karl is pictured with Georgie Gardner

As reported by New Idea on Monday, an ‘insider’ said: ‘They have both come up with the same idea and want to co-host alongside Karl.’ Karl is pictured with Georgie Gardner

They added: 'They both have very different reasons about why they want to work with Karl again. And they both bring some very valid points to the table'

They added: ‘They both have very different reasons about why they want to work with Karl again. And they both bring some very valid points to the table’

And with the Today show continuing to suffer embarrassingly low ratings, the fact remains Stefanovic’s return could be key to reviving the morning show’s viewership numbers.  

Nine has repeatedly denied that they are considering rehiring the lovable larrikin as Today show anchor, however.

Earlier this month, Woman’s Day magazine alleged that Karl could indeed jump into the Today hosting seat once again. 

Denials: However, a representative from Nine told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that there was no truth in New Idea's allegations

Denials: However, a representative from Nine told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that there was no truth in New Idea’s allegations 

‘Of course Nine are denying it, but it’s 100 per cent correct that they are actively chasing Karl to come back – everyone at the network knows Today needs the TV version of open-heart surgery to even survive,’ a ‘source’ told the publication.

The source added that Karl’s return to the ailing Today show is conditional on his ‘admitting defeat’ and to ‘publicly acknowledge he had to leave because of personal issues’.

A representative for Karl, however, has denied the claims, telling Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday: ‘There’s no truth to this rumour whatsoever. 

Ready for your close up, Karl? Karl's return would be a relatively easy one for Nine, as the 44-year-old remains on contract with the network, despite being ousted from the Today show in December last year

Ready for your close up, Karl? Karl’s return would be a relatively easy one for Nine, as the 44-year-old remains on contract with the network, despite being ousted from the Today show in December last year 

‘Karl is not returning to Today, nor are there any talks taking place – secret, or otherwise – to that effect.’ 

Woman’s Day also reported that Nine is planning a massive overhaul of Today at the end of this year – with completely new anchors. 

However, a representative has flatly denied this claim, bluntly telling Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday: ‘It’s not true.’ 

'Of course Nine are denying it, but it's 100 per cent correct that they are actively chasing Karl to come back - everyone at the network knows Today needs the TV version of open-heart surgery to even survive,' a 'source' told Woman's Day last week. Pictured: Karl with Georgie

‘Of course Nine are denying it, but it’s 100 per cent correct that they are actively chasing Karl to come back – everyone at the network knows Today needs the TV version of open-heart surgery to even survive,’ a ‘source’ told Woman’s Day last week. Pictured: Karl with Georgie

There is no denying, however, that the network is desperate to resuscitate the Today show, as it continues to flail in the ratings.

The one-time leading morning program has struggled since launching its all female lineup in January.

And now Nine have promoted Tom Steinfort, 35, to the anchor desk in a bid to win back viewers.

New faces? Woman's Day also reported that Nine is planning a massive overhaul of Today at the end of this year - with completely new anchors. Pictured: Deborah (left) and Georgie

New faces? Woman’s Day also reported that Nine is planning a massive overhaul of Today at the end of this year – with completely new anchors. Pictured: Deborah (left) and Georgie

In an new ad released on Thursday, hosts Georgie Gardner, 49, and Deb Knight, 46, were joined by Today newsreader Tom, fuelling speculation that producers have implemented another ‘shakeup’ to boost ratings.

A voice-over states: ‘Breakfast TV’s most experienced team of journalists, wake up with Georgie, Tom and Deb’.  

It comes after The Australian reported that network bosses are planning another ‘shake-up’ in light of low ratings, with duo Deb Knight and Georgie Gardner ‘becoming a trio’. 

Another shakeup? A new Today show promo has fuelled speculation the lineup has changed again amid reports newsreader Tom  Steinfort (centre) will join Georgie and Deborah on the news desk

Another shakeup? A new Today show promo has fuelled speculation the lineup has changed again amid reports newsreader Tom  Steinfort (centre) will join Georgie and Deborah on the news desk 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk