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Lisa Wilkinson on Karl Stefanovic's return to Today show

She sensationally quit her role as host of the Today show in 2017, after spending 10 years with Channel Nine, and now Lisa Wilkinson has spoken out about her former co-host, Karl Stefanovic’s return to the hot seat.

Two weeks ago it was confirmed that Karl will reclaim his role on the morning TV show in 2020, alongside Weekend Today’s Allison Langdon.

Lisa Wilkinson and Karl Stefanovic on the Today show desk
Lisa Wilkinson has spoken out about Karl Stefanovic's return to the Today show. Photo: Channel Nine

And now, Lisa Wilkinson has wished the pair nothing but luck, just two years after she jumped ship to Channel 10, where she co-hosts The Sunday Project.

“Look I was surprised because he now knows what it’s like to sleep past that 3AM alarm but he clearly feels like there’s some unfinished business so I can’t wish those guys anything but luck,” Lisa said Monday morning on Hit105’s Stav, Abby and Matt show.

“They’ve obviously had a pretty tough couple of years so, look I wish them well and you do know the pain of that 3AM alarm and you’re still prepared to do the hard yard. I wish them luck.”

Lisa’s departure from the Today show came after reports swirled that she wouldn’t sign a new contract until she was paid the same amount as her co-host, Karl, who was rumoured to be earning double her pay packet.

 Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson arrive at the 59th Annual Logie Awards at Crown Palladium on April 23, 2017
Lisa worked on the Today show for 10 years before she quit in 2017. Photo: Getty Images

When asked what the state of their friendship is like now, Lisa put any rumours of a rift between the pair to bed, saying ‘there was no falling out’.

“Karl and I still text each other, we still see each other from time to time,” Lisa said.

“He is hopeless at catching up. He’ll say ‘let’s have dinner on Saturday night’ and then you don’t hear from him again. So Karl, I’m still waiting for dinner.”

Deb and Georgie get the boot

Karl and Allison’s appointment at the helm of the Today show saw hosts Georgie Gardner, 49, and Deborah Knight get the boot, with Georgie admitting that the decision left her ‘disappointed’.

“I was consulted two weeks ago about the future direction of the Today Show, and naturally I'm disappointed with the outcome,” she told 9 Now.

Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson live on-air as part of the Today Show 25th birthday celebrations outside the Sydney Opera House on June 28, 2007 in Sydney, Australia.
She also put to bed any rumours of a rift between the pair. Photo: Getty Images

Georgie, who along with Deb had been hosting the show since January 2019 after Karl’s shock axing, said she was ‘very proud’ to have been one half of the first female hosting duo in Australian breakfast television.

She added that while her nine-year tenure with the program had ‘at times been cruel’ she was departing with ‘fond memories’ and planned to return to her ‘first love’, news.

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