Karl Stefanovic and Cassandra Thorburn back daughter Willow and her new modelling career

Karl Stefanovic and Cassandra Thorburn may not be together anymore — but they are united on what they want for their teenage daughter.

Willow Stefanovic, who is now all grown up and has dreams of being a model becoming a reality. Picture: Instagram

Exclusive: She bears one of the most famous surnames in Australia.

And now, at 16 years of age, Willow Stefanovic is ready to take on the world as a model.

The daughter of Today Show host Karl Stefanovic and Cassandra Thorburn, Ava – who now uses her middle name Willow as her main moniker – has recently been snapped up by boutique Australian agency, Precision management.

“Since I was a little girl I’ve been drawn to modelling, but thankfully Mum has such a sensible head, she always said when you’re old enough to make the decision that’s what you really want, then I will do everything to support you,” Willow tells Stellar magazine.

Willow Stefanovic, who is now taking on a modelling career. Picture: Instagram

Willow is determined her modelling work won’t interfere with her final year of high school.

“Embarking on a modelling career now means I can pursue my dreams one small step at a time. I will never let it interfere or disrupt my studies, or let it consume me. My education will always be the number priority for me, and that will never change.”

“I encourage all my children to work hard and pursue their dreams and aspirations,” Willow’s mother, Cassandra Thorburn said.

Karl Stefanovic does “flip the switch” social media challenge with his daughter. Source: Instagram

Karl Stefanovic with his daughter when she was younger. Picture: Richard Dobson

“Willow knows who she is and what she wants, and those attributes make me extremely proud.”

And what does her famous father think of his daughter following in his showbiz footsteps?

“He backs me 100 per cent as long as I’m happy,” Willow said.

“We all know I didn’t get my fashionista gene from him”.

Karl Stefanovic and ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn with their children when they were 21 months and 10 weeks old in 2006. Picture: News Corp Australia

The Today Show host says the family “fully support Willow in wherever her heart takes her”.

“She doesn’t go into anything blindly, especially the fashion world. She’s a strong, independent young woman and wants to pursue lots of things in life. We love her spirit,” he said.

Read more in this week’s Stellar magazine.