Karl Stefanovic, a cornerstone of *Channel Nine*’s *Today* show,
recently shared his candid thoughts on nearly two decades of co-hosting the iconic breakfast program.
In a revealing interview with *Stellar Magazine’s* *Something to Talk About* podcast, Stefanovic opened up about his experiences with former co-hosts Tracy Grimshaw, Jessica Rowe,
and Lisa Wilkinson, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and rewards of his long career in television.
Stefanovic first joined *Today* in February 2005, pairing with Tracy Grimshaw, a seasoned television personality.
Reflecting on his early days in the role, the 50-year-old anchor admitted he wasn’t initially nervous about the job. Instead, he felt a sense of uncertainty.
“I just knew that I didn’t know enough,” he confessed. Despite his inexperience, Stefanovic quickly became a familiar face to millions of Australians, learning the ropes alongside Grimshaw.
Stefanovic shared a memorable piece of advice that Tracy gave him during their time together. He recalled asking her for guidance on an interview, only for Tracy to tell him to “stop being so needy.” This blunt but valuable feedback resonated with Stefanovic, as he learned a crucial lesson about the demands of the job. “It’s a tough business. You’ve got to be self-sustained, you can’t rely on anyone else,” he explained. In the end, this moment became a defining experience, reinforcing the resilience required to thrive in the world of live television.
Tracy Grimshaw’s departure from *Today* in 2006, when she was tapped to replace Ray Martin on *A Current Affair*, marked a significant change for Stefanovic. The day she announced her exit became an unforgettable moment in his career. Stefanovic humorously recounted arriving at the studio late because he had forgotten his shoes. “I ended up getting Ray Martin’s shoes,” he said, adding that Tracy’s cheeky way of breaking the news to him was unforgettable. “She leans across and goes, ‘You got his shoes? I got his job.’” Despite Grimshaw’s playful dismissal of the story, Stefanovic is adamant that it was the truth.
With Tracy’s departure, Jessica Rowe replaced her as Stefanovic’s co-host. However, their time together was short-lived. Reflecting on Rowe’s experience at *Today*, Stefanovic admitted that she faced intense scrutiny from the media. “It was shocking, the treatment that she had. She was called the most heinous things,” he said. Rowe was sacked after returning from maternity leave, a decision that sparked much controversy, especially after it was revealed that Eddie McGuire, then the head of Nine, had allegedly discussed firing her. Stefanovic, who felt ill-equipped to support Rowe during that turbulent time, expressed regret, saying, “I’ve apologised to Jess since then, but at the time I just didn’t know how to navigate my own future, let alone be there for her in the way that I should have.”
Following Rowe’s departure, Lisa Wilkinson joined *Today* in 2007, and the pair formed a dynamic duo. Stefanovic’s sentiments about working with Wilkinson were glowing, despite their eventual fallout. “I genuinely adored working with her,” he said, describing Wilkinson as “incredibly interesting, intelligent, and funny.” Their on-air partnership lasted for over a decade, but in 2018, Wilkinson made headlines when she discovered that Stefanovic was earning significantly more than she was. The pay disparity led to her departure from *Channel Nine* and a move to *Channel Ten*, where she pursued new opportunities, including joining *The Project*.
Despite their split, Stefanovic insisted that there was no lingering animosity between them. “There’s no ill will,” he affirmed, acknowledging that their long-term partnership had been a unique experience. “It’s not normal to have a conversation at that hour of the day,” he explained, referring to the early-morning hours of breakfast television. He also pointed out the rarity of such working relationships, saying that “it’s a miracle that people go beyond three years” in this industry. For Stefanovic and Wilkinson, a decade-long run was a testament to their success as co-hosts.
In the years since Wilkinson’s departure, her career has been marked by highs and lows. After leaving *Channel Nine*, Wilkinson joined *Channel Ten*, where she faced public scrutiny, particularly related to her pay dispute. Her time at *The Project* ended abruptly in 2022, citing the toll of negative media attention. Although her time at *Channel Ten* has been challenging, sources close to Wilkinson have suggested that she is eager to return to television, with hopes of conducting “blockbuster interviews” once again.
As for Stefanovic, his reflections on nearly two decades of *Today* are filled with gratitude for the experiences and lessons he’s learned. Despite the ups and downs, including his challenging relationships with co-hosts at times, he has remained a staple of Australian breakfast television. His ability to adapt and evolve in the face of changing dynamics is a testament to his resilience and dedication to his craft.
In the end, Stefanovic’s honesty and reflections provide a window into the complex world of television, where professional relationships are tested and forged under the intense spotlight of public scrutiny.
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