Just as Today host Karl Stefanovic was beginning to wind down after another tense 12 months in the breakfast TV wars, his former co-host, Lisa Wilkinson, announced her departure from The Project after five rather controversial years.
WATCH: Lisa Wilkinson quits The Project
Her sudden exit from Network Ten’s flagship current affairs program sent shock waves through the industry, prompting plenty of talk about just where she might pop up next.
For now, Lisa, 62, says she’s remaining with Ten and “looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead”.
However, even if the veteran journalist does decide to move on in the future, we’re told there’s “no chance” she’ll be welcomed back at Today as long as Karl, 48, is reigning supreme.
It’s true Karl will be in need of a new co-host if the whispers that his current sparring partner, Allison Langdon, is moving to A Current Affair to succeed Tracy Grimshaw prove accurate.
As such, we’re told Karl jumped on the phone to his bosses when he found out the news about Lisa to assess the situation.
“Karl has always remained very dignified when it comes to Lisa,” explains our source. “And while he’s only ever shown her respect, he knows there’s absolutely no way he could work with her again after all the things she has publicly said about him.”
It was only a year ago that Lisa took aim at her former colleague in her tell-all memoir, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Like This.
Since then, Lisa hasn’t been holding back in her criticism of how she was reportedly sacked following a pay dispute. She also revealed that she realised her friendship with Karl was just “for the cameras”.
“You can’t come back from the stuff Lisa wrote in her book. It was no secret Karl was not happy, especially when Lisa delved into his personal life over a number of chapters – which is a no-go zone,” says the insider.
For more, pick up a copy of New Idea. On sale now!
