As Australia’s biggest stars stepped out in style for the glitziest night in television, behind the scenes there was only one name on every one’s lips – troubled Today host Karl Stefanovic who has openly admitted he’s at breaking point.
And while the breakfast star has a history of setting tongues wagging after wild network parties, cringe-worthy speeches and turning up to work worse for wear, this year’s attendance was a stark contrast with Karl appearing visibly strained.
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In a heated moment, Karl made a shock confession that could signal the end of his career.
‘I’ve been broken in the last two years, but you still have to come to work and do a breakfast show,’ he spilled to TV Tonight.
Gearing up for contract negotiations after a rocky two years in his personal life, Karl took his seat, only too aware that network bosses have their eyes on fresh talent – including one very familiar face beaming back at him from the Logies stage.
Handsome vet Dr Chris Brown has been tipped to fill Karl’s shoes.
The popular star has gone from strength to strength since his debut as Bondi Vet in 2009 and, having managed to keep his private life under wraps, Chris is in with a shot of the highly sought-after position.
With Karl’s six-million-dollar contract coming to an end, network bosses are scrambling to save their failing show.
‘They never expected it to come to this,’ a source told New Idea.
‘But with one PR disaster after another, his messy divorce and the leaked phone calls, ratings have plummeted and something needs to change.’
The network bosses have been considering every possible scenario, with our spies revealing replacing him with the popular vet could solve a lot of problems.
‘It would certainly be payback for Lisa jumping ships to Channel Ten. Plus Chris is dating Channel Nine producer Kendall Bora, so he has already met a lot of her colleagues and they love him.’
Having recently moved in with Kendall after purchasing a spectacular $5.8 million home in Clovelly, the offer would mean that Chris would be back in Sydney full-time – a better fit for the couple, who are tipped to announce an engagement soon.
But while Chris, along with Grant Denyer – who recently lost his hosting role – have been shortlisted, the fan favourites may not have what it takes.
‘Karl is a decent journalist with experience covering serious subjects and interviewing some of the world’s biggest names. Neither have that and it has been questioned if they can tackle the more important issues.’
Meanwhile, the Gold Logie winner did his best to put on a brave face, despite pictures emerging of him looking visibly stressed with his young fiancee Jasmine, 10 years his junior.
After a whopping $8 million divorce settlement to Cassandra, plus subsequent $35,000 in monthly payments, Karl’s funds are running low.
Friends are worried that without his millions, he can’t afford to leave. ‘Karl needs to start afresh,’ says a source.
‘But he has just bought a new house, has a lavish wedding in Mexico to pay for and hasn’t exactly been saving while flitting around on endless luxury holidays with Jasmine.’
For the full story see this weeks issue of New Idea – out now!
