Karl Stefanovic’s first interview since Lisa Wilkinson left Today show
KARL Stefanovic has opened up about Lisa Wilkinson’s shock exit from the Today show, his own future on morning television, and why he didn’t attend yesterday’s Caulfield Cup with girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough.
Confidential
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TV STAR Karl Stefanovic will host Today next year and says the Channel 9 breakfast show is “more important than any one person”.
In his first interview since the shock departure of his co-host of 10 years Lisa Wilkinson, Stefanovic also spoke of how he had relied heavily on his girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough over the past 12 months.
“She (Jasmine) has committed to my life ... my whole life, and her support is unwavering,’’ he said.
“It would not be easy for Jasmine stepping into this. The focus sometimes is incredibly invasive. But she’s strong, full of light, life and laughter.’’
No decision has been made on Wilkinson’s replacement but the early favourite is Georgie Gardner.
An announcement for the hottest female hosting job in Australian television is expected as early as Wednesday.
Stefanovic spent yesterday with his daughter Ava, missing the Caulfield Cup race meeting. His family is more important than ever after his split with wife Cassandra Thorburn.
Stefanovic said he was more committed than ever to the Today show.
“I’m not going anywhere unless you’ve heard something,’’ he said.
“I’m loving the show more than I ever have.’’
Stefanovic said Wilkinson’s departure had “rattled the team’’ and it was never easy to lose a host.
“It’s been a big week,’’ he said.
“We have nothing but love for Lisa.
‘‘The most important thing (for the Today show) is to keep delivering.
“It was strange after 10 years for her not to be next to me. It’s like dancing with a new partner, I guess. But the show is more important than any one person. And delivering the best possible content to our viewers is the priority. We have to get on with it and move forward. We have no choice.’’
On Wilkinson’s replacement, Stefanovic said the show had changed over the years and it now had fill-in hosts who were “extremely talented and seasoned at presenting the show’’.
“More importantly, the viewers already know them,” he said.
“It’s up to the bosses who fills that role. I’m excited about the future.
“There’s never been a better time to lead the way in news when the country isn’t exactly being led the right way. There’s a lot of work to do.
“People are hungry for reliable information. They are also hungry for a laugh. If we are do our jobs, then both should happen every break.
‘‘Competition is fierce. There’s no time to sit back and reflect. I’m sure we will do that at some point, but right now it’s about Monday’s show at 5.30am.’’
There was speculation yesterday that Stefanovic would go to A Current Affair, providing Today bosses with an opportunity for two new faces as co-hosts, but Stefanovic said he would saddle up at Today in 2018.
Today insiders said Stefanovic was the country’s No. 1 television personality and “he gets the big bucks to front up for 3½ hours of live national TV every day”.
“Karl is the best news broadcast journalist in Australia,’’ Today show boss Mark Calvert said.
“He’s the guy you want on the big stories, and when they break Australians look to the Today show because they know Karl is there.’’
Wilkinson will co-host The Project on Ten next year.
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