This week, a Nine spokeswoman confirmed that The Today Show host Karl Stefanovic would be taking a week off.
“Karl is away for the week for work and holiday, then Lisa will be off on holidays for a week from this Friday,” a rep explained.
The 42-year-old’s absence from the news desk comes in light of his hectic schedule including nine’s extensive coverage of Queensland’s cyclone and floods.
This was followed by a personal high as he acted as a best man at little brother Peter Stefanovic’s wedding to Sylvia Jefferies.
The Stefanovic clan are now dealing with Karl’s divorce from wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thorburn, which is believed to have been finalised last week.
Pete’s big brother was one of four groomsmen.
Karl and Cass split in September, with their divorce finalised last week.
Ben Fordham revealed he was stepping up to the plate to fill in for Karl.
“Old mate @kstefanovic is taking a well earned rest so I’m returning to @thetodayshow for a week. Apologies in advance,” Ben explained on Instagram.
But some fans were quick to criticise the Today regular for taking more time off.
One person remarked, “Another rest he gets more time off than school kids haha.”
Another quipped, “All Karl ever seems to do is take breaks!”
While one viewer shared a very vocal message, penning, “A rest from what?? What a lot of rot! However you [Ben Fordham] will be most welcome to us the loyal day Today viewers. Enjoy you and your positive personality very much.”
WATCH: Inside Karl and Fordo’s bromance. Post continues after the video…*
Ben was quick to come to his good friend’s defence.
“Quite frankly, waking up at 3.30am for 10 years straight, as well as travelling the world for 60 Minutes and every other project Nine throws at him, I think he deserves a break. Knowing Karl, he might be working while he’s away [from the Today show] … he’s a workaholic,” he told NewsCorp.
“Any questioning of his work ethic is completely ridiculous because work never ends for Karl. I wish people would leave him alone because his family is going through a tough time and he’s still showing up for work at 5.30 every day.”
“He deserves a break from the alarm clock and when he has one he often ends up on assignment for 60 Minutes anyway. Give the bloke a break.”
Other fans were also quick to point out that it’s school holidays and Karl could simply be wanting to spend time with his three children.
Ben is a part of the Today family.
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