Karl Stefanovic walks out of Today show live on air

Forty minutes into Friday morning’s Today show, Karl Stefanovic left the studio.

The presenter said he wasn’t feeling too well, and took an “early mark”, leaving just after 6am while the show was going live to air.

His co-host Georgie Gardner joked the 44-year-old had presented her with a “sick note”.

“I’ve had a good read, and I think I might give you permission to go home,” she said.

“Thanks, I don’t feel very well,” Karl replied. “Have a great weekend everyone. I’m taking an early mark.”

Grabbing a box of tissues, Karl made his way out of the Channel Nine studio with an echo of get well wishes from the Today panel.

There’s been quite a bit of speculation over the past month that Karl was set to be ‘axed’ from the breakfast show next year due to off-screen dramas.

However, it seems Nine is sticking by the star.

Last week they released a statement confirming he will be returning to the show in 2019 alongside co-host Georgie.

“The nation wakes up with Today, hosted by Karl Stefanovic and Georgie Gardner,” the release read.

“In 2019, Australia’s longest running breakfast television program will continue to bring viewers up-to-the-minute news, current affairs, sport, politics, entertainment, fashion, health and lifestyle from Australia and around the world,” it continued.

Karl’s role on the network came under fire after matters in his personal life were believed to have impacted the show’s ratings.

It all started with his highly publicised split from wife of 21-years Cassandra Thorburn, in 2016, which was shortly followed by Karl’s romance with 34-year-old shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough – which is said to have been a turn-off for some of Today’s female viewers.

Karl and Jasmine got engaged earlier this year.

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