Reports Karl Stefanovic has quit Today

Imagine the Today show without host Karl Stefanovic… It might not be as unreal as it sounds. According to New Idea magazine, the 42-year-old is set to turn his back on the morning program in the wake of his breakup from wife of 21 years, Cassandra Thorburn.

The magazine claims Stefanovic is heading for the United States, where he wishes to keep a low profile before returning to Australia in 2017.

As far as timing goes, it probably works out well as the Today team will take a break over the Christmas period.

Stefanovic and Thorburn made headlines earlier this year when it was revealed they had separated. It has also been reported that Stefanovic will be ‘rested’ from his television duties over the summer period following the split.

Channel 9 boss Darren Wick confirmed last month that the Today show host will take at least a month off to attend to family issues, while Stefanovic’s manager says the star is “happy” about the break.

“Previously what we’ve done with Karl is that he has often shot 60 Minutes stories over the summer,” Wick says. “We don’t want him doing that this year — just have a break. Obviously what he’s working through with his family situation… He need to have a break and just rest and spend time with his family.”

Stefanovic has been host of the breakfast show with Lisa Wilkinson since 2005.

Would you be disappointed if Karl Stefanovic left Today permanently? Do you think taking some time away to refocus is a good idea?