With his daughter Willow setting up roots of her own in London, Woman’s Day is told Today’s Karl Stefanovic is not ruling out a bombshell move to the UK.
According to well-placed sources, rumours are swirling at Nine that the popular brekkie TV veteran is bursting to make it on the world stage before he turns 50 next year – and, it appears, London is calling!
Karl Stefanovic stars opposite Rebecca Breeds in Stan’s new comedy.
(Credit: Stan)“He and his management are always working overtime to explore new opportunities abroad for both small and big-screen projects, especially in the UK,” confides one insider.
As well as Willow’s recent foray into fashion – the aspiring 18-year-old model is studying at a top London college – sources confirm Karl has also been inspired by his recent acting gig on Stan’s hilarious new comedy CAUGHT.
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While Karl played himself, his comedic chops are said not to have gone unnoticed by producers.
“His team will want to cash in on all of this while Karl has some currency, and they won’t want to lose momentum around his performance,” continues the source.
By his side will be his devoted wife Jasmine, 39, of course, and youngest daughter Harper, three, who our source says Karl hopes to bring along for the ride.
Karl Stefanovic’s daughter, Willow has been taking London by storm, from Notting Hill to festivals with her tight pack of new UK friends.
(Credit: Instagram)“Karl didn’t realise how much he was going to miss Willow and wants to have the chance to spend as much time with his eldest daughter while she’s busy studying over these next three years,” the source confides.
“It has recently dawned on him that young Willow will be 21 when she finishes her studies, and he wants to be over there with her to support her as much as he can, both emotionally and financially”.
Those close to the Today co-host admit he has no shortage of supporters in the UK, in particular controversial TV presenter Piers Morgan.
The pair are known to be fond acquaintances, and Piers is a frequent guest on Today, where the mates take no issue with ribbing each other on air, much to the delight of viewers.
“Piers and Karl have become great mates over the years – both are straight-talking, no-nonsense operators – so no-one would be surprised if they hook up down the track and become the next big double act,” our source adds.
While controversial, UK host, Piers Morgan is also a popular supporter of Karl Stefanovic.
(Credit: Instagram)It’s also believed Karl is relying on the high-profile ex-wife of his good friend James Packer, Erica, who now lives in London, to keep an eye on his daughter Willow if she is homesick or needs anything.
Sources say Willow’s mother Cassandra Thorburn and Erica have also enjoyed a long friendship, and Erica is someone they can both trust to help Willow’s London life.
As Karl contemplates his next move, insiders maintain there has never been a better time for him to weigh up his future, whether it’s stepping more into acting or working overseas.
Earlier this year, more bad news for Nine came after Seven’s Sunrise was officially crowned as the country’s number-one brekkie TV show for the 20th year in a row, prompting speculation around the future of Today in its current format.
While Karl’s return to Today in 2020 and Sarah Abo’s debut this year, following the departure of Allison Langdon, have brought a fresh feel to the long-running program, TV insiders admit that after years in Sunrise’s shadows, bosses will likely be contemplating, “Where to from here?”
And, it seems, Karl is having very much the same thoughts.
