Karl Stefanovic to Channel Nine: 'I'm your lucky charm'

A photo of Karl Stefanovic wearing a blue suit.
Karl Stefanovic to Channel Nine: 'I'm your lucky charm'. Photo: Getty Images.

Controversial TV personality Karl Stefanovic has today delivered a thinly-veiled jab at employer Channel Nine, calling himself the network’s ‘lucky charm’ on radio.

The 45-year-old was riding on a high when he stopped by Fitzy & Wippa’s show for a chat after his charity cricket team took out the win the previous day.

Karl was one of several celebs in captain Wippa’s lineup which beat out Fitzy’s team during a friendly match on the lawn of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s residence, Kirribilli House on Thursday.

The Gold Logie-winner wasn’t above gloating about his victory - his second at the event in as many years - and made sure to include a dig at the network that axed him from Today last year.

“That’s what I keep telling Channel Nine, I’m your lucky charm!” Karl responded when asked how he felt about his achievement.

A photo of Karl Stefanovic and Mark Ferguson at a charity cricket match.
Karl and Seven news reader Mark Ferguson. Photo: NOVA (supplied).

Karl slams Pete: ‘Only three people watch him’

Elsewhere in the chat, it appeared that there was no love lost for his opponent and brother, First Edition on Sky News co-host Peter Stefanovic, with Karl explaining that their shared rivalry has ‘shaped us as human beings’.

But it’s Karl who sees himself as the more successful sibling, in terms of viewership at least.

“Pete’s on Sky news now, he’s got three people watching him,” he joked.

All’s well that ends well for the brothers, it seems, with Karl calling it a ‘terrific day’.

“It was a terrific day for charity, the Stefanovic lads are always going to be there,” he said.

Indeed, the friendly game raised $15,000 for the charity ‘Batting for Change.’

Karl clearly wasn’t done roasting his fellow players, however, shifting his sights to Today Extra co-host Richard Wilkins.

“Do you know anything about Richard Wilkins’ drinking session the night before?” Wippa asked.

“It’s typical preparation for Dickie, the big fella’s still got it,” Karl replied.

Other celebrity cricketers included Ninja Warrior host Ben Fordham, former fast bowler Brett Lee, MKR judge Colin Fassnidge, Home and Away’s Lynne McGranger and Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with singer Conrad Sewell on hand to perform the national anthem.

A photo of Karl Stefanovic, Richard Wilkins, Lynne McGranger, Scott Morrison and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli at a charity cricket match.
Winners Karl, Richard Wilkins, Lynne McGranger, Scott Morrison and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli. Photo: NOVA (supplied).

Karl’s controversial year

Following his infamous axing in December 2018, Karl has remained with Channel Nine but arguably in a reduced capacity, hosting This Time Next Year and making sporadic appearances on his old show.

He’s also presented stories on 60 Minutes but has been widely slammed for the program’s damning takedown of Duchess Meghan Markle.

He also copped flack for his own searing opinions on teen climate activist Greta Thunberg, who he says ‘isn’t being looked after’.

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