Calls for Karl Stefanovic to be replaced on the Today show permanently as his surprising Christmas fill-in is announced
Karl Stefanovic is being targeted by critics who say they are happy he is taking a break from Today during the summer holidays.
On Monday it was confirmed that Dr. Nick Coatsworth will take over Stefanovic's hosting duties from December 26, allowing the long-serving breakfast host to spend New Year's Eve with his family.
Following the announcement, some online users called for Stefanovic to be permanently replaced.
“Please make this a permanent break,” one social media user wrote of Stefanovic's time off.
“Needs a complete overhaul,” another agreed, while someone else lamented: “Hopefully it's permanent, the only one who thinks he's funny is him. Poor co-presenters with their fake smiles.'
Karl Stefanovic is being targeted by critics who say they are happy he is taking a break from Today during the summer holidays
Stefanovic's co-host Sarah Abo, meanwhile, will be replaced by the Today show's regular reporter Mia Glover ahead of the holidays.
Dr. Coatsworth is Australia's former deputy chief medical officer and a regular contributor to Channel Nine on the subject of medicine.
It comes as today's rival Sunrise prepares to take the crown in the 2023 breakfast ratings war.
It was confirmed on Monday that Dr Nick Coatsworth (left) will take over hosting duties from Stefanovic from December 26, allowing the long-serving breakfast host to spend New Year's Eve with his family. He will co-host the show with Mia Glover (right)
This will be the 20th year that Sunrise has won first place in its timeslot, after taking first place in the overall ratings survey last year.
According to the 2022 OzTam survey year, Sunrise had an average national daily audience of 397,000 viewers.
Seven said it was '31 percent larger than its nearest competitor'.
Today, it has struggled to gain ground on Sunrise in recent years, partly due to the revolving door of presenters on the Nine show.
Following the announcement, some online users called for Stefanovic to be permanently replaced
It comes as today's rival Sunrise prepares to take the crown in the 2023 breakfast ratings war. (Photo: Stefanovic with co-host Sarah Abo)