Today fans' subtle swipe at Karl Stefanovic as he takes break

It appears Today fans have not been missing Karl Stefanovic too much while he's been absent from the breakfast program for the past two weeks.

As the beloved host takes a break with his family, Channel Nine reporter Charles Croucher has taken over his hosting duties alongside Allison Langdon.

He was farewelled from the desk on Friday as Karl prepares to make his return, with Today posting a video on its Instagram of Charles attempting the viral wall split challenge.

"Charles Croucher signing off after filling in for Karl for two weeks!" Today captioned the video.

Karl Stefanovic hosting Today.
Karl Stefanovic has been taking a break from Today for two weeks. Source: Today

Fans were quick to praise Charles for his hosting duties, with some even taking a thinly-veiled swipe at Karl.

"Does Karl have to sign on?" one questioned.

"Nooooooooo, love Charles," somebody else said about him signing off.

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"Love Karl Stefanovic but also love it so much when you're on the show," another said.

"Love Karl but also equally enjoyed Charles Croucher these past couple of weeks. He did such a great job hosting!" a fourth added.

Concern for Karl after cryptic Today photo

With Karl missing from the Today desk, fans were confused as to whether he was returning after Today posted a cryptic photo on its Instagram.

The photo featured presenters Brooke Boney, Tim Davies, Charles Croucher, Allison Langdon, Christine Ahern and Alex Cullen sitting in the Today studio.

While Karl didn't join them on the couch, he was photoshopped into the snap, sitting on the coffee table.

Karl Stefanovic photoshopped onto a picture of Today stars in the studio.
Today raised questions after photoshopping Karl Stefanovic into this photo. Source: Instagram

"Squad in studio, don't worry Karl we didn't forget you," the caption said.

Fans were curious as to why Karl had been seemingly absent from Today.

"Where is Karl? Is he coming back on the Today show?" one viewer questioned.

"Where is Karl what happened to him?" another said.

"Is Karl finished?" a third wondered.

Today's publicist assured Yahoo Lifestyle the star hadn't departed the show for good, saying: "Karl is on annual leave enjoying a much-deserved holiday, and will be back on board in the coming weeks."

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