“A Shocking TV Bombshell!”: Channel Nine ignites a massive media firestorm and leaves viewers completely jaw-dropped after a secret host testing leak exposes the ultimate, unexpected wildcard stepping into the vacant Today Show throne
Son of TV legend to host Today from Monday in major Channel 9 shake up
A former journalist who hasn’t been on your TV screens in a long time is making a big comeback.
Today show viewers will notice another change next week when Channel 9’s breakfast program goes on air.
With Karl Stefanovic out and Sarah Abo on maternity leave, the network is looking for a new dynamic duo to wake up with Australia.
Media commentator Andrew Mercado told Yahoo Lifestyle it’s no easy task as the hosts have to have good onscreen chemistry, be light and breezy with the fun stories, and know how to tackle an interview with the Prime Minister, for example.
Karl Stefanovic departs Nine & Today Show
Before making any major commitments, the network will test candidates for a week or two to see how they perform.
A Nine insider told Yahoo Lifestyle that Michael Willesee Jr and Sylvia Jeffreys will be in the hot seat from Monday.
Who is Michael Willesee Jr?
Michael was a Sky News Australia presenter for nearly 11 years between 2003 and 2014.
He has also worked with the Australian and US versions of A Current Affair, and has filed reports for Nine News Australia.
He’s married to A Current Affair presenter Allison Langdon, and also comes from a big journalism family.
Michael’s father, Mike Willesee, was an award-winning news reporter, interviewer and presenter, who worked at the ABC, Seven, and Nine.
His uncle, Terry, is a journalist and broadcaster, and so is his sister, Amy.
Why Michael Willesee Jr is an outside for Karl Stefanovic’s replacement
His inclusion on the rotating Today lineup is surprising, as he’s been absent from TV land for more than a decade.
His LinkedIn states he’s currently self-employed as a corporate affairs and communication consultant, but has worked as a media advisor for iCare, Westpac, and ex-Treasurer Joe Hockey.
Sportsbet currently has odds on for who could replace Karl, with dozens of Nine’s internal stars and outsiders like Robert Irwin listed as potential candidates.
But Michael’s name isn’t on this list at all, proving he is a big outsider.
According to the betting company, Rodger Corser, the host of Nine’s game show The Floor is the most likely person to take on the role.
He’s followed by 9News Melbourne presenter Tom Steinfort, Nine’s finance editor Chris Kohler, and the network’s chief political reporter Charles Croucher.
Tom and Charles have been filling in for Karl since his immediate exit from the network.
A poll of more than 4,000 Yahoo Lifestyle readers found Charles was the slim favourite, with 37 per cent of the vote, followed by Rodger on 35 per cent.
Could Sylvia Jeffreys become Sarah Abo’s replacement?
Sylvia, meanwhile, was parachuted into the co-host role nearly two weeks ago after Sarah had a surprise health issue and went on maternity leave a little earlier than expected.
She’s a very familiar Channel 9 face as she hosts Today Extra with David Campbell, which starts straight after Today.
Her name has reportedly been thrown around as a possible frontrunner to replace Sarah.
However, Nine insiders told news.com.au that Today newsreader Jayne Azzopardi is the leader in the race, as Sylvia commands a “higher salary” and executives are concerned about her dynamics with Karl Stefanovic, who is her brother-in-law.
The Daily Telegraph claimed Samantha Armytage could be brought in alongside Sylvia for another shot at a double-female Today lineup.
This was trialled in 2018 with Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardener, but only lasted a year.
A message from Karl.