Australian television hosts Karl Stefanovic, Grant Denyer, Samantha Armytage and Kerri-Anne Kennerley have all enjoyed glorious, decades-long careers in the media industry.
But lately, their TV ratings have slumped, failing to match their million dollar pay cheques.
Could these stars be over the hill? Woman’s Day investigates if their glory days are now over.
Grant Denyer: Moving on for good?
Grant Denyer and his wife Chezzi have been open about their personal battles over the years.
(Image: Getty)When Ten announced Grant Denyer would be making a return to Family Feud for a 10-episode special later this year, it was supposed to mark his relaunch on the small screen.
But despite landing himself the job, the father-of-two, 42, has fuelled rumours he’s about to throw in the towel after a tough few years.
“I’m lucky to have a wonderful career in TV,” he wrote on Instagram.
“But I’ve also been super hungry to learn a completely different skill,” he continued, telling his 158,000 followers he’s training to become a pilot.
“It’s bloody rewarding hitting the books and learning a completely different craft… and it’s also just so damn dreamy playing above the clouds,” he continued.
Despite earning himself a TV WEEK Gold Logie for his Family Feud role, Grant’s career has been nothing short of tumultuous.
Following Family Feud‘s axing in 2018, it was quickly followed by the dumping of his new game show, Celebrity Name Game, in 2019, before his poor-rating radio gig on 2DayFM also came to an end.
Samantha Armytage: Itching to quit?
Now that she’s engaged, will Sam’s career take more of a backseat?
(Image: Channel 10)Her Sunrise co-star David Koch has referred to the TV industry as “bullshit”, an attitude that could be rubbing off on Sam Armytage, who admitted she didn’t dislike lockdown.
“It’s been a fantastic turning point… my private life is extremely happy so it’s a wonderful time to press pause and assess what I’m doing. It’s been very valuable,” Sam, 43, said, fuelling rumours she could be about to step away from her high-pressure TV gig for a life out of the limelight.
Indeed, 2020 has seen Sam in a tough spot – she is being sued for racial vilification after a 2018 on-air discussion about the Stolen Generation, to which she responded, “There is no place for racism in our country, our media and our hearts.”
Not long after the court proceedings came to light, Seven announced Sam would be reducing her on-air duties, opting for a four-day week.
She also sold her Sydney home after announcing her engagement to Richard Lavender.
It’s believed the pair plan to reside in the Southern Highlands.
READ NEXT: Meet Samantha Armytage’s ex-boyfriends
Karl Stefanovic: Contract crisis
It’s been bad headline after bad headline for new father Karl.
(Image: Channel Nine)In a desperate attempt to make the most of Karl Stefanovic’s eye-watering $3 million contract, which ends in December, Nine are spreading him over Today, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes.
But insiders tell Woman’s Day his looming expiry date at the network is causing endless stress for the 45-year-old.
“He’s very worried about what’s next in his career,” says one friend.
“With a newborn and the 3am starts he’s endured for the better part of 15 years, anyone would want out of Today, but where would he go?”
While Karl might prefer the flexible hours of 60 Minutes, his full-time appointment on the show is unlikely.
Last week an episode including Karl’s report on notorious conman Peter Foster saw viewing figures drop 32 per cent from the previous week.
It comes as sources reveal the show’s future is in doubt, saying, “There’s been cost cutting in the millions and it’s really expensive to do that sort of quality program well.”
WATCH BELOW: Yumi Stynes calls Kerri-Anne Kennerley racist on Studio 10. Story continues after video.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley: Turning viewers away?
Kerri-Anne’s racist and off-colour comments have put many off-side.
(Image: Channel 10)She was once one of the country’s most adored TV anchors, but entertainment veteran Kerri-Anne Kennerley is under fire at Ten’s failing morning show Studio 10.
Despite her profile, the star, 66, has faced criticism for her divisive opinions and even confessed to having the show’s producers offside.
“[Production] really go, ‘Now, you know, maybe, we don’t want you to pull back, but you know, maybe,’ and I go, ‘Oh what the, so fire me!'” she revealed of the tension her strong opinions are causing.
Despite admitting she “can’t resist” making contentious comments, which have included joking about running over climate protesters, her polarising approach seems to have done little to draw interest to the show.
The embattled program, which launched in 2013, pulled in just 66,000 metro viewers in the last week of June, and in March had a record low of 33,000.
The troubled ratings have now prompted industry sources to fear for its future.
“The show went from fan favourite and media darling to a show no one seems to care as much about any more,” dishes one source.
