After seven months away from the news desk, Karl Stefanovic is getting ready to get back to work again!
WATCH! ‘Today’ show star’s ex-wife Cassandra pole dances on morning TV
Sources reveal to New Idea that not only is he gearing up for a second season of This Time Next Year, but he’s also set to return to the Today show after the program suffered flagging ratings since the father-of-three left the show in December last year.
Over the past few months, rumours have persisted that the Nine Network have been in talks with the 44-year-old about his potential return.
“They have realised they need an alpha male co-host back on Today. Enter Karl … who agreed to go into the wilderness for a year,” the source spills.
Despite his scandalous exit from Today, he has remained on contract with the network and was told to maintain a low profile and stay out of the spotlight.
At the time, in a statement issued on his behalf, Karl said: “Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great network soon.”
Since his departure from the show, Karl has been doing just that – spending time with his wife Jasmine and hitting the gym. And he seems to understand how important it is to not repeat his past mistakes.
With Karl maintaining his side of the deal, producers are now gearing up for his much-anticipated return and according to our well-placed source, he
will be back behind the news desk in 2020.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the news and praise his comeback.
“I can’t wait to see you back on the show,” one commented.
“From what we read and hear, the Today show has gone downhill since Karl left …thousands of us told you Channel 9 that this would happen, but you didn’t listen!!! Next time listen to your viewers,” another said.
With Karl’s brother Peter Stefanovic landing a new role with Sky News, it looks like the brothers are back in the game, after both of their careers took a hit following the ‘Ubergate’ scandal.
“I’m excited. Thrilled about it, actually,’ Peter told News Corp. “It’s a great challenge, a wonderful opportunity and a fantastic privilege to be asked to be part of the Sky News team.”
And with a supportive wife and brother by his side, it seems like there couldn’t be a better time for Karl to return to the news desk.
Rob McKnight from TV Blackbox tells New Idea: “Karl is one of the best presenters on Australian television bar none, but he needs the right people around him.”
The TV host has learnt from his past mistakes and doesn’t want his return to cause upset, so it will be up to the network to work out how to bring the star
back without upsetting the current line-up.
For more see this week’s New Idea, out now!
