Only being offered the job at the last minute, Karl Stefanovic’s replacement, Deborah Knight, is said to be feeling less than welcome and is now having second thoughts about taking on the coveted role.
“There is too much pressure to save the show, too much pressure to win back viewers,” an industry insider tells New Idea.
“We don’t think Deb knew exactly what she was walking into.” Concerns for Deb come after it was revealed the 46-year-old was the third choice for the Today gig after a number of other TV presenters turned it down.
“Everyone knows they wanted Ben Fordham and then Brenton (Ragless),” the source adds.
“But that show is Karl and Karl has been surrounded by scandal so no-one wanted to ll those shoes straight after. We don’t think Deb thought of that.
“For a lot of people, taking on the gig might be seen as career suicide.”
Making matters worse, former 60 Minutes reporter turned Today newsreader Tom Steinfort is also understood to be unhappy.
“Tom had no choice about it really,” says the source.
Of the plummeting ratings, Deb discussed her views last week, saying: “That is for others to work at and worry about, my job is just turning up and being me,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
Meanwhile, viewers have even threatened to boycott the program. One follower commented on Instagram: “No-one is waking up with Today anymore.”
