Embattled TV presenter Karl Stefanovic has been dumped as the host of the Today Show after almost 15 years, the Nine Network has announced.
"Nine and Karl Stefanovic have agreed it is time for him to step off the Today Show," news and current affairs director Darren Wick said in a statement on Wednesday.
"Karl remains on contract with the network and will continue to host This Time Next Year which records in February."
Stefanovic's star has waned since he left his wife of more than 20 years, Cassandra Thorburn, and began dating model-turned-shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough.
The 44-year-old and Yarbrough, 34, wed in a lavish Mexican four-day celebration earlier this month which was extensively documented in the Australian media. The couple is reportedly still on their honeymoon.
As media focused on Stefanovic's personal troubles, the Today Show's ratings dwindled, particularly among female viewers.
Stefanovic on Wednesday admitted it had been tough.
"Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most," the Gold Logie winner said in a statement issued by Nine.
"It's been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great network soon."
The news of Stefanovic's departure comes a day after Nine announced his younger brother, Peter, was leaving the network after a 15-year career.
Peter Stefanovic had been hosting the Weekend Today program since returning to Australia from a stint as a foreign correspondent.
The brothers endured more negative publicity in March after an Uber driver heard Peter speaking with Karl on speakerphone and sold the story to a magazine.
The pair reportedly gossiped for 45 minutes targeting colleagues as well as senior Nine executives. The scandal became known as "Ubergate".
The Today Show's executive producer Mark Calvert also stepped down two weeks ago to be replaced by Steve Burling.
Australian Associated Press
