KARL ERUPTS HOST HUNT DRAMA!

THE TODAY STAR LEANS ON JASMINE AS WORK TENSIONS RISE

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Karl Stefanovic might be Channel Nine's longtime golden boy, but he's not a happy camper right now amid renewed speculation about his eventual successor on Today.

The network is currently sizing up candidates to lead Weekend Today, after the show's current male co-host, Clint Stanaway, announced he would be parting ways with Nine at the end of this year.

New Idea is told that whoever gets the coveted gig will likely be a protégé of sorts for Karl, 51, with the end goal of succeeding him on the main weekday show.

The industry source stresses that Karl, who reportedly signed a new $3 million-a-year contract not too long ago, has no plans to jump ship anytime soon.