Georgie Gardner ’demanded’ not to work with Karl Stefanovic

As Karl Stefanovic jets home to Australia amid a media storm surrounding his Today Show dumping, it can be revealed his breakfast TV co-host had a hand in his downfall.

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 yesterday just hours after Nine announced he would not return to the brekkie show in 2019.

“I am looking forward to getting back to the sunshine,” Stefanovic said.

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It comes amid suggestions co-host Georgie Gardner contributed to his knifing, announced by Nine on Wednesday.

Happier time: Georgie Gardner joined Karl Stefanovic on the couch after Lisa Wilkinson’s 2017 departure. Picture Julie Kiriacoudis

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The Herald Sun has been told Gardner met Nine bosses to request Stefanovic be given the boot after a year of horror headlines and ratings.

In March, it was revealed Stefanovic and younger brother Peter had been overheard by an Uber driver venting about Gardner and other colleagues.

“She won’t work with Karl anymore,” a Nine executive said.

“They didn’t like each other before she joined the show. Then the Uber thing tipped it over the edge.”

A Channel 9 executive told The Daily Telegraph that the Ubergate scandal involving the Stefanovic brothers tipped Gardner over the edge. Picture: Instagram

A Nine spokesperson said: “This claim is utter garbage. The decision was made solely by management.”

Stefanovic’s dumping after 14 years came barely 24 hours after Peter Stefanovic was let go by Nine and days after Karl celebrated his second marriage to Jasmine Yarbrough.

He has a year left on his contract, said to be worth $3 million, and is only locked in to film This Time Next Year.

What Stefanovic will do next is a big question for many at Nine.

It is understood bosses have offered to send the embattled TV presenter to work for the network in America.

Lisa Wilkinson responded to Stefanovic’s exit with a post stating “when it was good, it was great …' Picture: Instagram

“The US correspondent job has been floated with Karl, it would be a good option for both parties,” an insider said.

“Karl has worked in the US on a number of big stories for Nine and Jasmine lived in LA for many years before moving back to Australia for Karl.”

Stefanovic and his new bride Jasmine Yarbrough were all smiles yesterday despite the news of his exit from Nine. Picture: Nemo/Backgrid

Richard Wilkins yesterday described Stefanovic as “an intoxicating mix of world’s best broadcaster and naughty schoolboy”.

He is a fantastic, intuitive and intelligent journalist,” the Today entertainment reporter said on Nine.

“There is no secret that the past year or so has been difficult times for Karl but … he has walked into the studio every morning with energy and passion bringing ideas to make the show bigger and better.”

Karl & Jasmine’s winter escape

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— Additional reporting by Soraiya Fuda and Lydia Pedrana