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The breakfast newsdesks over at Seven and Nine might look very different in the near future if rumours of TV’s biggest shake-up in years come to pass.
With the runaway success of Natalie Barr’s new role on Seven’s Sunrise, a TV insider claims that Nine executives are now thinking about rejigging the line-up on Today as the combo of hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon don’t always set the ratings alight.
“It would be a cross between a bloodbath and dog’s dinner at Today at the moment. Karl and Allison haven’t exactly been winning the ratings,” a well-placed insider tells Woman’s Day.
“Karl has been firing up at interviewees, politicians, anyone in a bid to get people talking about the show.”
“Karl and Allison haven’t exactly been winning the ratings.”
(Credit: Getty)And as the top dogs weigh up what to do next to boost the show’s ratings, our source says they’re willing to make some significant changes when 46-year-old Karl’s contract ends within the next two years.
“Nine and Today have just one person in their sights – and that’s Hamish Blake,” says the insider.
“The focus groups are gushing over his likeability, family values and humble attitude, and while he’ll need some hard-hitting interview training, they believe he’s the breath of fresh air and talent that the show needs.”
Executives are said to be listening to the network’s viewers and with Lego Masters only getting bigger, they think Hamish, 39, is the secret weapon the show needs.
“He’s similar to Karl in the early years – a fun larrikin – and they’re looking to inject more of that back into the show,” says the source.
Nine might also need to decide the best fit for Karl’s co-host Allison, 41, with our spy revealing the network is also keen to sway Ten darling Sarah Harris, 39, back to the fold.
Focus groups are gushing over Hamish’s likeability, family values and humble attitude.
(Credit: Getty)While Nine could make big waves with its line-up, Seven’s Sunrise might also need to have a major switch-up when David “Kochie” Koch’s contract runs out next year.
“It’ll mark 20 years since he started, and he’ll be 66 by the time he finishes his current contract,” says our source.
“He’ll at least do the occasional special project for Seven, but nobody would begrudge him wanting to spend more time with his grandkids and enjoy the retired life with his wife Libby either.”
While Nine could make big waves with its line-up, Seven’s Sunrise might also need to have a major switch-up when David “Kochie” Koch’s contract runs out next year.
(Credit: Channel 7)So who would replace him? Our insider reveals Kochie would play a vital role in who viewers will see saddle up next to co-host Nat, 53.
While speculation has been rife that Matt Doran, 37, is next in line for the role, our insider reveals the “tide has well and truly turned” in recent weeks.
“The number one pick now to replace Kochie is Michael Usher, 51, with executives said to be very impressed with his performance when he recently filled in for Kochie while he was on holidays.”
The number one pick now to replace Kochie is Michael Usher.
(Credit: Channel 7)
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