Jessica Rowe and Karl Stefanovic have engaged in a candid chat about their joint time on the Today show with the latter presenter apologising for his behaviour back in the day.
WATCH: Jessica Rowe films TikTok embarrassing her kids
In 2006, Jessica Rowe, 51, and Karl Stefanovic, 47, co-hosted the Today show before the Crap Housewife inventor lost her job while on maternity leave with her daughter Allegra.
Speaking about what Jess described as, the “tumultuous” time on her new podcast, The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, the 51-year-old’s former co-host apologised for his actions, or rather lack-there-of, 15 years ago.
“You didn’t have a guy next to you who could have protected you and helped you in the way I should have,” Karl told Jess.
“And for that I’m always sorry. And I should have been more there for you. I wish I had been a better person, and a better man, a stronger man not just for myself but more you.”
Jess went on to candidly reveal that her sacking from the morning show contributed to her postnatal depression.
“Whether or not, looking back, I would have wanted to come back, to have that taken out of my hands, that was what made me so furious at the time,” Jess told Karl.
“It’s always been on my mind to sit down and talk to you about that… there was hurt and pain amongst a number of people… it was such a storm. A real storm,” added Karl, who still hosts the morning show alongside Allison Langdon.
After Jess posted a throwback shot of herself and Karl on Instagram to promote the debut episode, fans were quick to congratulate the presenter for her honesty.
TV veterinary presenter Dr. Katrina commented: “Huge congrats @jessjrowe, loved this interview – it was great to hear you guys chat so openly and look forward to the next one.”
“Fearless, emotionally unguarded and truly authentic in your public work. Qualities not celebrated enough in the media,” another user added.
“It’s a lovely interview … I was outraged at the way you were treated by the media .. I thought you were like a breath of beautiful Smiley fresh air every morning and admired your positive energy,” a third penned.
WATCH: Jessica Rowe Returns to the Today Show 13 Years After Her Departure (Article continues after video)
Of course, this isn’t the first time Jess has spoken openly about her struggles with mental health. Earlier this year, the 51-year-old told Who that prioritising her mental wellbeing allows her to be her best self.
“I’m still a work in progress and I think, for all of us, it’s important that you’re open to that,” Jess told the publication.
“There’s no shame in going to see your GP, getting a mental health plan, talking to an expert. I still take antidepressants and I’ve got no shame in telling people that because it helps me. I want to be my best self and that helps me do that.”
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