‘It had taken its toll’: Karl Stefanovic admits ‘relief’ over Today axing

Karl Stefanovic has opened up for the first time about his axing from the Today show, claiming in a post Logies interview that he was “struggling” towards the end of last year and wasn’t at his best.

The popular reporter, 44, who was dumped from the morning program earlier this year in a massive panel reshuffle, spoke openly about his feelings towards his departure from the show, admitting he’s feeling much “clearer” after taking a break from TV.

In the chat with several news reporters at a Logies brunch on Monday, Stefanovic said he desperately needed a rest from the spotlight before the shock sacking – claiming he was “cooked” – news.com.au reports.

“It had taken its toll, a lot of the attention – all the unwarranted attention I thought and you can’t control any of that, I’m not going to complain too much about that, but what it meant was that in a work capacity I don’t believe for a second I was at my best,” he said. “I think I was struggling towards the end of last year.”

Despite the public’s surprise over his departure from his hosting duties with Today, Stefanovic explained it wasn’t much of a shock for him and it had been something he’d been expecting.

The father-of-three said it was actually a “relief” to step back from the spotlight, admitting he wasn’t in the right headspace to be in such a top role with the program at that time. In fact, he claimed you needed to be at “the top of your game” to be in that position – which he wasn’t.

“You’ve got to be sharp, you’ve got to be witty, you’ve got to be witty, you’ve got to be funny,” Stefanovic added. “You’ve got to see the angles and to be honest, at the end of last year I wasn’t seeing much.”

As for life now, the TV star said his marriage to new wife Jasmine Yarbough is “wonderful”, especially with the media attention slowly subsiding. Enjoying his time away from the cameras, Karl said he’s just “taking life in”, with his only plans for work being his part on program This Time Next Year which will air in the coming months, as well as some work with 60 Minutes.

Read more: Karl Stefanovic is savagely roasted by comedian in hilarious Logies speech

His tell-all chat comes after the reporter made an appearance at the 61st annual Logie Awards in the Gold Coast on Sunday night. It wasn’t such a welcoming return to the spotlight as the former Today show host was savagely roasted in a hilarious, yet shocking speech by Gold Logie winner and comedian Tom Gleeson.

While the stunning frocks certainly caught the attention of onlookers, it was the comedian’s humorous remarks about Stefanovic that have garnered much attention.

Taking to the stage to address the room packed of television stars, Gleeson began: “I think the reason they (the Logies) ask you to do the opening is because Channel Nine has run out of stars.

“They don’t have any left. They have a new rule on breakfast TV too, if you are too entertaining they fire you. Am I right Karl. Is Karl here? Where is Karl?”

He added to Sunrise presenter David Koch: “What I’m saying is Kochie, your job is safe.”

Are you a fan of Karl Stefanovic? Were you sad to see him leave the Today show?