Let’s face it, Karl Stefanovic hasn’t had the best run of late.
Between Uber-gate and his co-host Lisa Wilkinson leaving the show over a pay dispute, it’s long been expected Karl won’t be at the Today show desk by year’s end.
According to a new report by The Daily Telegraph, behind-the-scenes the network have set their sights on Channel Nine’s Adelaide newsreader Brenton Ragless to replace Karl.
Insiders say the 41-year-old is “absolutely delightful” and would be the perfect fit for the coveted gig.
Those who have worked with Ragless tell the publication he is “funny”, “warm”, “engaging” and “decent” and “not just a Stefanovic clone.”
Adding that the television presenter would be “excellent value for money.”
Meanwhile other names in the running include Ninja Warrior host and Karl’s long-running fill-in Ben Fordham and Channel Seven newsreader Michael Usher.
Last month, Woman’s Day revealed Ben was being groomed to take over from Karl by next year.
“(Nine management) plan to wheel Karl out as much as possible for 60 Minutes assignments, which will justify his absence from Today.”
“Ben Fordham will fill in while he’s gone, prepping him to take over in January 2019.”
With a diverse path that eventually led to presenting, including bus driving, PR and radio, Ragless is being labelled as the network’s new “Aussie every man”, the Telegraph report.
In March, Karl’s future with Nine was put under intense pressure after a local outlet published details of a private conversation he had with his brother Peter Stefanovic.
The driver claimed Karl complained to Peter about his new Today co-host Georgie Gardner, saying she needs to “step up” if she “wanted to stay on the show.”
The Nine star also apparently vented that Georgie “didn’t have enough opinions” and accused her of “sitting on the fence.”
The 43-year-old also said the Nine bosses were “out of touch” and “didn’t know anything.”
Want more juicy Aussie gossip? Listen to the latest episode of the Woman’s Day Uncensored podcast
