He’s had a rough few months, but Channel Nine say that Karl Stefanovic will be back in 2019 behind the desk for the Today Show.
Despite the show’s steady decline in ratings and talks that he is set to be replaced, the network confirmed that the 44 year-old will return to the breakfast show next year.
“The nation wakes up with Today, hosted by Karl Stefanovic and Georgie Gardner,” the official press release read.
“In 2019, Australia’s longest-running breakfast television program will continue to bring viewers up-to-the-minute news, current affairs, sport, politics, entertainment, fashion, health and lifestyle from Australia and around the world.”
But is it really set in stone?
A body language expert says Karl and Georgie (pictured here with Richard Wilkins) looked noticeably tense at Nine’s annual Upfronts event yesterday. (Image: Media Mode)
At their annual Upfronts event in Sydney on Wednesday, Nine didn’t highlight changes within the Today Show, instead focusing on their drama, sport and reality TV offerings.
And according to The Daily Mail, the hosts looked pretty awkward as they stepped out at the event.
“Karl’s arm placement could have been a last-minute addition to the pose when he perhaps sensed the clear disconnect and divide between them, hoping for Georgie to reciprocate, lean in or turn. But it looks like she’s rigidly avoiding a friendly photo,” body language expert Holly Bartter told the publication.
READ MORE: Meet Ben Fordham: The new Karl Stefanovic
Ever since he announced his engagement to 35 year-old shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough, Karl’s popularity, particularly with his female audience, has plummeted.
Woman’s Day have previously reported that following the Ubergate scandal, Georgie Gardner and Channel Nine struck up a deal that the network would back her over Karl if need be.
In the Woman’s Day Uncensored podcast, editor-in-chief Fiona Connolly said that she would only have to wait until the end of the year until Karl was axed.
“She must be feeling pretty good right now, we’re talking seven weeks left of Karl. End of year, end of ratings, end of November and that will be it,” Fiona said.
WATCH: Ben Fordham jokes about being the new Karl Stefanovic. Post continues…
Earlier this year, 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.”
He and Channel Nine’s Adelaide newsreader Brenton Ragless are tipped to be the number one replacements.
Watch this space…
