Nine rubbishes claims Karl Stefanovic has quit Today to go ‘soul-searching’

CHANNEL Nine has shot down claims Today co-host Karl Stefanovic has quit the show in order to go “soul-searching” in the US.

CHANNEL Nine has rubbished claims Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic has quit his job to go “soul-searching” in the US, following the breakdown of his 21-year marriage to Cassandra Thorburn.

In this week’s New Idea, it was reported that the 42-year-old father-of-three is “questioning some of his past behaviour, and knows he needs to change his ways.

“The show has a break over the Christmas holidays, so it’s a good time for him to take the time off and do some soul-searching.”

However, a Nine spokesman told news.com.au: “Karl is definitely on Today in 2017, alongside the team who have had such a successful year in 2016.”

Earlier this month, Nine news boss Darren Wick confirmed the popular TV presenter was being rested over summer, to allow for him to deal with his family issues.

“Previously what we’ve done with Karl is that he has often shot 60 Minutes stories over the summer,” Wick said.

“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. He’s going to do that and come back fresh next year.”

It follows news his responsibilities for 2017 will increase — he will be continuing his work on Today and will also host a series on everyday Aussies called This Time Next Year.

There’s also been plenty of speculation about the love life of newly-single Stefanovic, who recently was linked to an engaged Melbourne-based food blogger.

Sofia Levin, 27, rubbished the claims made in a magazine last week that she and the host had become close after she appeared on Today in September.

“It’s not true at all, we’re just friends,” she told Woman’s Day.

“We’re just mates and have stayed in contact since that shoot [on Today].”