Surprise stars rumoured to replace Karl Stefanovic as Channel Nine plans a major Today show reset

Big changes could be coming to the Today show, and insiders say a fresh new line-up is already being quietly discussed behind the scenes.

With rumours swirling about the future of long-time host Karl Stefanovic, sources reveal Channel Nine is exploring a bold revamp of the breakfast staple.

An insider told Daily Mail the network was keen to modernise the popular breakfast show, which has been on air for 43 years. 

'There’s a real appetite for change,' the source said.

'They want to modernise the show and bring in a new energy.'

There are reportedly a number of contenders who have been part of conversations about reshaping the future of the Today show. 

However, the top contenders mooted to replace Karl on a revamped Today include rising star Chaad Hewitt and recent Channel Nine acquisition Samantha Armytage.

Sam has been quite patient and with rumblings that The Golden Bachelor will be axed after season two, Sam could very well be free for a bigger role at Nine. 

'It’s not just about swapping one host for another,' the source explained. 

'This is a full reset on tone, format and everything.'

Despite the shake-up, insiders say there’s strong support for Sarah Abo to remain part of the revamped line-up.

'Sarah is incredibly well-liked internally,' the insider said. 

'She’s calm, professional and connects well with viewers. She’s seen as a big part of the show’s future.'

But with Karl’s role reportedly all but axed, the potential overhaul marks a significant moment for the long-running program.

'He’s been such a huge part of Today for years,' the source added. 

'But there’s a feeling the show needs to evolve.'

While nothing has been locked in, the discussions signal a major shift at Nine – one that could redefine the breakfast show for a new generation.

Speculation has been swirling about who could replace Karl in the coveted co-hosting role.

Melbourne newsreader Tom Steinfort and newly appointed Brisbane evening anchor Joel Dry are both said to be in the running for Karl's job.

More ambitious voices inside the network believe Nine may attempt to poach Sunrise star Matt Shirvington.

And if the changes go ahead, viewers could be waking up to a very different Today.

Meanwhile, Chaad certainly made an impression on the cast and viewers when the 21-year-old journalism student appeared on the show in July last year after wowing Karl with a university assignment.

He shared a clip of his on-air experience that saw him stepping into the rather large shoes of Nine entertainment veteran Richard Wilkins.

'Today we found an aspiring entertainment journo and if you squint he looks like a young Richard Wilkins,' Karl said on air.

A side-by-side photo was then shown on screen, highlighting the similarities between the pair. 

'Somebody needs to do the math, because my mum worked at MTV in the '90s so what's going on there?' Chaad joked, referencing Richard's stint at the music television station.

'Who's your daddy?' Karl excitedly asked, which elicited quite the laugh from the rising star. 

Despite Chaad's anchor gig only being temporary, it seems he has struck a chord with breakfast TV viewers.

Karl commented on a clip of Chaad on air with, 'Loved having you, son,' to which one viewer replied: 'He needs to be a regular.'

It's not the first time Sam has been touted for a Today gig, either.

A bombshell report was released in October last year that alleged Sam was in secret talks to replace Sarah and become Karl's new co-host on the Today show. 

The TV veteran appeared on 2GB with Ben Fordham where she was asked about the growing speculation that she would be returning to breakfast TV.

'Ben, you know how this game works – these stories get planted, leaked,' she began, before revealing that she had bumped into Sarah and comforted her in the wake of the headlines.

'Sarah's wonderful... I saw her at Upfronts – at Nine Upfronts – the other night. We gave each other a hug and I said, "Are you okay?"

'She's good. Sarah and Karl are fantastic,' Sam added.

Daily Mail has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.