For brothers Karl and Peter Stefanovic, blood will always be thicker than water. And recent events have only made that fact increasingly more evident.
In March, a magazine published details of an overheard private phone conversation between the brothers about fellow Nine Network colleagues, including Karl’s Today co-host, Georgie Gardner. The pair have felt the heat ever since.
The siblings, who grew up in Queensland, have dealt with the fallout just like they would any other – together.
“Karl is a good supporter of mine, and I’ve been a good supporter of him,” Peter, 36, tells TV WEEK.
“He’s got my back and I’ve got his. We’re brothers, and our family unit is pretty tight.”
Weekend Today co-host Peter is proud of his talented family.
Karl, 43, is co-host of Nine Network’s breakfast program Today, while younger brother Peter is the co-host of Weekend Today. You might expect a bit of sibling rivalry. But Peter reveals there is none.
“Because of the age gap, Karl and I didn’t really get to know each other until I was well into my university years,” Peter explains. “But when we did, we became great friends.
“When I left university, I followed him into the [journalism] industry.”
Peter credits his brother for teaching him the ropes in television.
“Work-wise, I’m always getting advice from Karl,” he reveals. “If he thinks there’s something I can do better, he lets me know. I’d like to think I do the same for him.”
But that doesn’t mean the pair don’t butt heads from time to time.
“It can get a little heated when we’re playing backyard cricket or any kind of sport – tennis, ping pong or golf,” Pete laughs.
“It can get a bit competitive there!
“There might be a bit of sledging going on, but all in good humour and good fun.”
While Peter and his wife, Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys, try their best to keep out of the media, Karl has had his share of headlines in recent times.
Last year, the father-of-three split from wife Cassandra Thorburn.
And in March this year, photos emerged from Karl and new love Jasmine Yarbrough’s low-key commitment ceremony. Peter was by his brother’s side on his special day.
“I will always support Karl,” Peter says. “I’m his brother. At the end of the day, family is the most important thing.
“He’s been through a lot, but he’s tough. He’s a great guy, a great father and a good man. It doesn’t matter what he does, he’s going to be fine. And if ever he needs me, he knows where I am.”
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