Karl Stefanovic is to be 'axed from Today': Channel Nine sources say he is officially 'gone' amid ratings disaster and will be 'replaced in the New Year' ... but the show's executive producer insists the host is staying
Channel Nine's Today show suffered some of its worst ratings ever recently.
And as viewers continue to tune out, The Courier Mail made a shocking claim on Sunday that Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic would soon be losing his job on the breakfast TV program.
The publication reported that despite 44-year-old Karl's contract at the station, thought to be worth almost $3 million and not expiring until the end of 2020, he is 'likely to be replaced in the New Year'.
'Top-level sources at Channel 9's Willoughby studios say the embattled Today host is officially "gone",' the newspaper stated while referencing an alleged insider.
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Who to believe? Karl Stefanovic (pictured) is to be 'axed from Today': Channel Nine sources say he is officially 'gone' amid the latest ratings disaster and will be 'replaced in the New Year' ... but the show's executive producer insists he's a 'bloody great broadcaster' and is staying
It is claimed that Today Extra host David Campbell, 45, is 'top of the list' of possible replacements for Karl.
The publication also claimed that Today executive producer Mark Calvert could also face the chop as part of an 'engine room makeover'.
The article reported that Nine chief Hugh Marks is 'tipped' to 'make a move on Karl this week' - with the sacking allegedly having been discussed for several weeks.
On the way out? 'Top-level sources at Channel 9's Willoughby studios say the embattled Today host is officially "gone"', The Courier Mail reported on Sunday. This is despite Karl's contract, thought to be worth $3 million, not expiring until the end of 2020
Who will stay? The publication also claimed that Today executive producer Mark Calvert could also face the chop as part of an 'engine room makeover' (Pictured: Karl with current Today co-host Georgie Gardner)
It is believed the decision has come in the wake of Today's ratings dive - and that Karl's controversial personal life has been a leading factor in the audience drop off.
The star's popularity first suffered following the breakdown of his 21 year marriage to Cassandra Thorburn, 47, in 2016.
It wasn't helped as he quickly moved on and became engaged to new girlfriend, 34-year-old Jasmine Yarbrough.
It is believed the decision has come in the wake of Today's ratings dive - and that Karl's controversial personal life has been a leading factor in the audience drop off. Pictured: Karl with estranged wife Cassandra Thorburn, 47 (pictured in 2012)
Too soon for viewers? It wasn't helped as Karl quickly moved on and became engaged to new girlfriend, Jasmine Yarbrough (pictured), 34. The Today show first suffering in the ratings in September 2016 - the same month Karl was pictured for the first time without his wedding ring
Data showed that Today viewers first started switching off in September 2016, the month Karl was first pictured without his wedding ring.
Since then ratings have been mostly declining, with Today reportedly seeing their 'worst figures in 12 years' recently.
Media analyst Steve Allen told the publication that the show's popularity has dived, especially among women, as they 'basically now think [Karl] is an a***hole'.
Could he take the top job? It is claimed that Today Extra host David Campbell (pictured) is 'top of the list' of possible replacements for Karl
However, all may not be over for Karl just yet.
Despite the newspaper's sensational claims, executive producer Mark Calvert is standing by the controversial presenter.
He refuted the claims that Karl's career is on a knife edge, describing him as a 'bloody great broadcaster', while stating, 'we are the first to acknowledge our ratings are not as good right now as we would like.'
Karl's manager is also said to have denied the accusations to the newspaper that Karl would soon be losing his job on Today.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Today and Karl's rep for comment.
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