Georgie Gardner talks returning to Today, Karl Stefanovic and dealing with critics

TODAY host Georgie Gardner has opened about her professional relationship with Karl Stefanovic, hinting that the pair might not be as chummy as they seem on-air.

TODAY show host Georgie Gardner has opened up regarding her return to the popular morning program while navigating her relationship with co-host Karl Stefanovic.

In a revealing interview with Stellar magazine, on sale today, the popular presenter reflected on taking her time to agree to return to the desk after a three-year absence.

Gardner left the show to spend more time with her young family and told viewers in November’s announcement that she consulted with them heavily before accepting the gig.

Gardner previously appeared on Today as the newsreader from 2007 to 2014 and was the Nine Network’s first choice to fill Lisa Wilkinson’s position after the former co-host’s sensational defection to Network Ten after a messy contract dispute.

“I wanted to be absolutely sure I was ready, and that I was right for the network, and right for the show,” Gardner told Stellar.

“There is no other gig like it.

“My feeling is you only get asked once in your career and, at age 47, the time was right. I had life experience behind me, hopefully something to offer, and great encouragement from management at Nine.

“To me, it was time.”

Georgie Gardiner appears in Stellar discussing how she navigates her relationship with co-host Karl Stefanovic.

Gardner officially started her new role in January, propelling her into one of the most coveted roles on Australian television.

On the criticisms that get lobbed towards women who appear on TV she told Stellar it took her a “bit of adjusting”.

“I was someone who was always very self-conscious of my looks. I was the plain, chubby teenager who never in a million years would have dreamt of a career in TV.

“I don’t let it overwhelm me. In a way, I think I took some comfort in knowing I wasn’t hired for my looks, to be honest. I didn’t feel that pressure.”

Georgie Gardiner appears on the cover of Stellar.

After leaving Today seven years later to focus on her young family, Gardner became a regular fill-in host for Sonia Kruger on Today Extra and occasional reporter for 60 Minutes.

On chatter that Today’s ongoing success will depend on how she and Stefanovic get along, she said “good chemistry doesn’t necessarily equate to being best friends”.

“Good chemistry, to me, is interaction and respect and knowing when to let one shine [or] pull back. Drawing out people’s strength, having their back. Making each other laugh, finding the humour.

“Relationships by their very nature are often complex, and when it’s in those hosting chairs on national TV, you’re exposed. But that’s interesting.”

Gardner first worked at Nine in 2002, and later returned in 2006 to replace Leila McKinnon as presenter of National Nine News Morning Edition, before taking on the newsreader role on Today.

The popular presenter reflected on taking her time to agree to return to the Today desk after a three-year absence.

Stellar is available in today’s News Corp’s Sunday Telegraph, Sunday Herald Sun and Sunday Mail.