Karl Stefanovic axed from The Today Show

Karl Stefanovic has been axed as co-host of The Today Show.

It comes after it was announced yesterday that brother Peter would be leaving the Nine Network.

Stefanovic will continue to host Nine TV show “This Time Next Year”.

Darren Wick, Director of News and Current Affairs said it was time Stefanovic left the show.

“Nine and Karl Stefanovic have agreed it is time for him to step off the Today Show,” Wick said in a statement.

“Karl remains on contract with the network and will continue to host This Time Next Year, which records in February.”

It comes after months of mounting pressure on Nine to remove Stefanovic.

Entertainment reporter Luke Dennehy said Stefanovic’s departure could be a “blessing in disguise” for the high-profile 44-year-old.

“(The Today Show) is really good gig but he’s still doing another show for Channel 9,” he said.

“It might be time for him to breathe and get back to everyday life.”

Ratings showed many female viewers had turned the Today Show off after the host’s previously lovable larrikin persona turned toxic following the news he’d left his wife of 20 years.

Stefanovic thanked viewers for “hanging in there”.

“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most,” he said.

“It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there.”

An announcement on Stefanovic’s replacement will be made in the coming weeks.

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Image: Stefanovic with new wife Jasmine Yarbrough