How Lisa Wilkinson broke up with Today

Amy Stevenson
Updated

She blindsided everyone by announcing she is switching networks, but it seems Lisa Wilkinson's surprise last day was anything but smooth.

After announcing on Monday night she would be leaving Channel Nine and the Today show after a decade for a new role with The Project and Channel Ten, were the signs all there that Lisa was about to depart?

With co-host Karl Stefanovic's admission on Tuesday that everyone was "shocked" by Lisa's decision, a look back at what would-be Lisa's last day shows a series of tense and awkward moments between the two anchors.

Lisa's final day was filled with awkward encounters between her and Karl. Source: Channel Nine
Lisa's final day was filled with awkward encounters between her and Karl. Source: Channel Nine

During an interview with The Block's judges Darren Palmer and Neale Whitaker, Karl refers to being "glad" that the hit renovation show is on Channel Nine, with Lisa dismissing him and trying to brush the encounter off saying: "Don't be silly."


Did Karl take a dig at Lisa leaving during an interview? Source: Channel Nine
Did Karl take a dig at Lisa leaving during an interview? Source: Channel Nine
It's not the first time things appeared tense between the two co-hosts. Source: Getty
It's not the first time things appeared tense between the two co-hosts. Source: Getty

Meanwhile over the course of the breakfast show, Lisa, 57, seemed unusually tense and flustered, sometimes lost for words and making uncomfortable faces.

At one point, Lisa seemingly mocked Karl after he made a joke during an interview telling him, "Onya Karl, asking the hard questions", while she gave a sarcastic reply when finance editor Ross Greenwood spoke about the upcoming 30th anniversary of Black Monday.

"Happy... anniversary?" Lisa replied, not hiding her confused look on her face when speaking about the stock market crash.

On Monday night Lisa shocked by announcing she had hosted her last Today show and would be moving to rival network Channel Ten.

Lisa Wilkinson has quit The Today Show on Monday Night. Source: Getty
Lisa Wilkinson has quit The Today Show on Monday Night. Source: Getty
She will be joining Channel Ten's The Project, which already stars Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar. Source: Channel Ten
She will be joining Channel Ten's The Project, which already stars Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar. Source: Channel Ten

Her exit from the network after 10 years comes after speculation surrounding her salary expectations, with reports Lisa demanded the same pay as co-host Karl.

Channel Nine released a statement saying: "Nine today confirmed we have been unable to meet the expectations of Lisa Wilkinson and her manager on a contract renewal for a further period.

"We express our gratitude for Lisa for her 10 years with the Today Show are disappointed we find ourselves in this position. Nine will be going in another direction and will be considering our options in coming weeks and months."

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