Channel Nine deny reports Karl Stefanovic is leaving flagship program Today

THE Nine network has hit out at reports that embattled host Karl Stefanovic is leaving flagship program Today.

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THE Nine network has hit out at reports that embattled host Karl Stefanovic is leaving flagship program Today.

New Idea magazine was this morning reporting that the TV veteran would be departing from the program, following the implosion of his marriage to wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thornton.

Staying put ... Karl Stefanovic. Picture: Lachie Millard

Split ... Cassandra Thorburn. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Close ... Co-host Lisa Wilkinson has backed Karl in the wake of his split.

“Karl is definitely on Today in 2017, alongside the team who have had such a successful year in 2016,” a spokesman told The Daily Telegraph.

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Following the end of the TV ratings year on Friday, Stefanovic has begun a period of enforced R & R.

“Previously what we’ve done with Karl is that he has often shot stories over the summer,” Nine News boss Darren Wick told News Corp at the network’s upfronts earlier this month.

Team ... Karl with his Today show co-hosts on location. Picture: Lachie Millard

“We don’t want him doing that this year — just have a break. Obviously what he’s working through with his family situation ... he needs to have a break and just rest and spend time with his family.”

This time last year, Stefanovic signed another contract with the breakfast program after months of protracted negotiations. It was reported at the time by The Australian that he’s now taking home $2.5 million annually, with the potential to up that to a whopping $3 million per year if ratings hurdles are crossed within the three-year term.

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