Richard Wilkins reconfirms ‘naughty boy’ Karl Stefanovic’s axing from Today
Fresh photographs have emerged of a smiling Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough honeymooning in Aspen after a Nine source made explosive claims that the axed Today host could be moved overseas.
Karl Stefanovic has broken his silence after being sensationally dumped from his plum gig on Today.
The newly-married TV presenter seemed unfazed when approached on his Aspen honeymoon just hours after Channel 9 announced he would not return to the brekkie show in 2019.
“I am looking forward to getting back to the sunshine,” Stefanovic said when asked how he was feeling about being sacked.
Stefanovic was keeping warm in the cold Aspen snow, walking arm-in-arm with his new wife Jasmine.
Fresh photographs emerged of a smiling Stefanovic and Yarbrough honeymooning in Aspen after a Nine source made explosive claims that the axed Today host could be moved overseas.
A source inside Channel 9 has revealed Stefanovic may end up working for the network in the US.
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It is understood bosses have offered to send the embattled TV presenter to work for the network in America.
“The US correspondent job has been floated with Karl, it would be a good option for both parties,” the insider said.
“Karl has worked in the US on a number of big stories for Nine and Jasmine (Yarbrough) lived in LA for many years before moving back to Australia for Karl.”
The source said Karl’s children would be a major roadblock for the move.
At this stage, Stefanovic is only locked into film the second half of This Time Next Year, hardly warranting his $3 million pay cheque.
With one more year on his contract, what he will do next is the big question for many at Nine.
This morning, entertainment reporter Richard “Dickie” Wilkins reconfirmed Stefanovic’s sensational axing, describing him as “an intoxicating mix of world’s best broadcaster and naughty schoolboy.”
Wilkins said there was “nobody who has worked harder for this show than Karl” in a prepared speech delivered on Nine today.
“He is a fantastic, intuitive and intelligent journalist. There is no secret that the past year or so has been difficult times for Karl but I can say he has walked into the studio every morning with energy and passion bringing ideas to make the show bigger and better,” he said.
“He always strived to deliver the best program he possibly could. Karl says this is the best show on television, and I couldn’t agree more.
“He has also said he thought he would never be good enough to host the Today Show for so long. You better believe it, because you are, and you did. It is a tireless gig and it comes with an enormous amount of scrutiny.
“Karl has asked us to pass on his thanks to you, the viewer, for tuning in, and Karl, on behalf of all your friends and colleagues here at Nine and your millions of fans around the country, we wish you all the best.
Wilkins said that although Stefanovic was leaving Today, “he is not leaving Nine.”
“Karl is due to finish shooting his show this time in February and is looking forward to being back on air later next year,” he added.
“Karl, thank you for all the great work. You have notched up a massive number of flying hours. You didn’t just wake up with Today. Today woke up with you. Good luck, mate.”
It was revealed Nine Network’s plans for 2019 were in tatters last night after the newly merged company axed Stefanovic from its flagship breakfast show.
Stefanovic’s dumping as Today host after 14 years came barely 24 hours after his younger brother Peter, another high-profile presenter and reporter, was let go by Nine — and days after Karl celebrated his second marriage.
When the news broke in Sydney, the 44-year-old former Gold Logie winner was on his honeymoon in Aspen with new bride and friends including James Packer, whose father Kerry reigned over the one-time all-conquering network.
The Daily Telegraph understands James Packer is “incandescent with rage” about the decision to cull his close mate and the mess Nine finds itself in.
The move comes just weeks after the high-profile takeover of Fairfax Media by Nine and the Telegraph understands there could be more big scalps.
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