Stefanovic/Wilkinson saga: Karl can provide his own solution for Nine

THE solution to Nine’s Today hosting saga might be right under the network’s nose. Karl Stefanovic has made no secret of his desire to move on from the show that made him a household name.

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THE solution to Nine’s Today show hosting saga might be right under the network’s nose.

Karl Stefanovic has made no secret of his desire to move on from the show that made him a household name, telling friends and colleagues he’s had enough of early mornings after more than a decade.

And with this week’s shock departure of Lisa Wilkinson, insiders have tipped Stefanovic as a possible replacement for Tracy Grimshaw on A Current Affair.

Lisa Wilkinson toasted her gig yesterday — being MC at a Moet & Chandon champagne event at Sydney Opera House. Picture: Peter Rae

“That would be the dream for Nine,” a network executive told The Saturday Telegraph.

“Karl has been begging to get off there forever and, surprise, surprise, the joint has imploded because they never listened to this bloke. They haven’t let him off and he’s been like a hostage.

“There is a strong possibility that Tracy moves from A Current Affair either to call it a day or to do special features on 60 Minutes and that way Karl goes in to ACA and it leaves a clean slate for the morning.”

A move to ACA for Stefanovic would leave Nine searching for two new breakfast hosts, with some saying it would be an easier prospect for executives as it would breathe new life into the show.

Stefanovic’s recent marriage split was believed to have concerned Nine chiefs. Pic John Grainger

“The only other job that would justify his ($2 million plus) salary would be A Current Affair or the news and Peter Overton isn’t going anywhere and Tracy is coming off contract so that might solve the issue,” the executive said.

“They will be holding out until the end of the year, so they are not rushing into making a decision.”

Grimshaw is also understood to have been of interest to Channel 10, Wilkinson’s new employer, which is cashed up thanks to the new financial backing of CBS.

Former Today newsreader Georgie Gardner is the firm favourite to replace Wilkinson, though there has been tension between her and Stefanovic in the past. “I am not even in a position to comment,” Gardner said when contacted yesterday.

“Hello, my name is Lisa Wilkinson and I’m from, oh wait, I’m from nowhere at the moment.”

Weekend Today host Deb Knight was the short-term replacement for Wilkinson — which is understood to have caused tension on set, including with Sylvia Jeffreys, who has long been groomed for the role.

Stefanovic looked relaxed yesterday when The Saturday Telegraph’s photographer caught him bringing in bins at home.

The breakdown of his marriage and his relationship with shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough is also believed to have been a concern to executives with Today’s audience largely female.

Meanwhile, Wilkinson yesterday made her first public appearance since the news broke earlier in the week, honouring a commitment to host an event for Moet and Chandon at the Opera House.

“Hello, my name is Lisa Wilkinson and I’m from, oh wait, I’m from nowhere at the moment,” she joked. “Has everyone had a good week? Mine’s been interesting. ”

Originally published as Stefanovic/Wilkinson saga: Karl can provide his own solution for Nine