As the troubled Today show continues to battle falling ratings, New Idea can reveal the secret plan being hatched to reunite the original line–up.
WATCH BELOW: Lisa Wilkinson denies any ‘bad blood’ between her & Karl Stefanovic
With Karl Stefanovic sliding back into his old seat as if nothing had happened, rumours are rife that paths are now being cleared to make way for the return of his former co-host Lisa Wilkinson, as well as entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins and newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys.
“All four want nothing more than to see the ‘Dream Team’ back on morning TV – and they’re stopping at nothing to get their way,” reveals our source.
“Dickie in particular spent years alongside those people, and as the old saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it’.”
It is understood negotiations are at an early stage but everyone is positive about the outcome.
“Yes, there will be a few bridges to build with who was given the boot and why, but anything is possible. Bringing Karl back just goes to prove it.”
So thrilled by the surprising back–pedal by executives, Dickie is said to have opened the doors of his multi–million–dollar Cremorne home for a lavish, celebratory party.
“Literally no–one is happier than Dickie,” says our source.
But as happy as the team are at the prospect of reuniting on air, the pressure is also on for them to help win the ratings war.
Last week the show’s ratings were 173,000, the lowest ratings it’s had since Karl returned to Today earlier this year with new co-host Allison Langdon. Their rivals over at Sunrise were almost 100,000 viewers ahead at 272,000.
Still desperate to save the show and their jobs, all options are now being considered throughout the network.
But for many long–term crew the answer is obvious: bring back everyone – not just Karl.
With Lisa still commuting from Sydney to film The Project in Melbourne, Nine bosses are hoping the gruelling travel commitments have taken their toll, leaving the respected journalist open to negotiations.
“Lisa had a point to make by leaving when she left and she made that loud and clear,” says the source.
“They should have paid her what they were paying Karl. Everyone learnt a lot from her departure and they know what went wrong.”
There’s also talk of Peter Stefanovic making a comeback to Today. With Sylvia and husband Pete welcoming their baby boy, Oscar, earlier this month, working alongside one another on the same shift, at the same network, would be ideal for the new parents.
“They love working together and with Karl too, especially now that their kids will be growing up together,” the source says.
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