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Nine has reportedly failed to poach one of Seven's biggest stars to replace Karl Stefanovic after showing the Today presenter the door on Wednesday.
Stefanovic, 51, has been in the headlines this week after he resigned from the network following his controversial podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Now, reports have emerged suggesting Nine attempted to secure Sunrise star Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington for the now-vacant anchor seat, The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday.
However, the publication alleges Nine failed to tempt the former Olympian after Seven quickly moved to sign him on for a new long-term deal.
It is believed Nine is now casting its eye internally for a suitable candidate to replace Stefanovic on the flagship breakfast program, with co-host Sarah Abo also set to go on maternity leave in August.
Sports presenter James Bracey, political correspondent Charles Croucher, former Weekend Today host Clint Stanaway, and Today Extra presenter David Campbell are said to be on the list of names being considered for the position.
Nine has reportedly failed to poach one of Seven's biggest stars to replace Karl Stefanovic (pictured), 51, after showing the Today presenter the door on Wednesday
Tom Steinfort, who has been filling in for Stefanovic during his two-week holiday in London, is also reportedly being looked at for the position.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Nine for comment.
It comes after Today show viewers demanded answers after being left in the dark about the future of host Stefanovic following the fallout from his controversial political podcast.
Stefanovic has been making headlines this week after publishing an interview with British far-right political figure Tommy Robinson.
Veteran Nine journalist Steinfort has stepped into the role alongside co-host Abo while Stefanovic remains on leave; however, Stefanovic's disappearance is yet to be addressed by the network.
As speculation mounted online, many fans turned to Nine's social media pages seeking answers.
'I've loved this show for years and I adore the Sarah/Karl duo. What's going on? Where's Karl?' one viewer asked.
'Is Karl gone or not? I want an official notice. I will go to morning radio and turn the TV off. Nine is weak if you don't let him speak,' another wrote.
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Reports have emerged suggesting Nine attempted to secure Sunrise star Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington for the now-vacant anchor seat. Pictured with co-host Natalie Barr
'When are we going to find out about Karl?' a third questioned.
'I'll no longer be watching,' protested a fourth.
Others suggested that Nine should address the elephant in the room rather than ignore it.
'The silence is making everyone speculate,' one viewer commented.
'Just tell us where Karl is. It's not that hard,' added another.
Despite the growing curiosity, Nine made no mention of Stefanovic's absence during Thursday's broadcast.
The Today show host has been at the centre of backlash this week.
Stefanovic is understood to have been told by Nine executives that the network wanted to part ways almost six months before his contract was due to expire due to advertiser concerns.
The presenter has spent more than 25 years at the network and has fronted Today for much of the past two decades, becoming one of Australia's most recognisable media personalities.
Stefanovic has been in the headlines this week after he resigned from the network following his controversial podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson (right)
His early exit follows intense backlash over his independently produced podcast interview with Robinson, which discussed immigration, Islam and Australian politics before being swiftly removed from all platforms.
Nine previously stressed the podcast was produced independently and was not affiliated with the network, but confirmed it was taking the controversy seriously.
On Wednesday evening, The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed Stefanovic's departure from Nine, indicating the decision was made in part to 'defuse a major advertiser boycott.'
Stefanovic was told the network 'wanted to part ways'. He is expected to depart immediately.
The TV star, who has been a Nine stalwart for 25 years, has six months and over $1 million left to be paid on his 12-month contract.
According to sources, he is pushing for a full payout of the remainder of his contract - similar to the lucrative exits secured by former Nine radio heavyweights Alan Jones and Ray Hadley - despite their vastly different departure circumstances.
Sources also claim Stefanovic was seeking to be released from his contract as soon as possible to pursue other media opportunities.
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