WATCH OUT, KARL - THERE'S A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!

TODAY NEWCOMER JAMES BRACEY IS GETTING READY FOR THE TOP JOB

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While Karl Stefanovic enjoyed his well-deserved holiday in Europe, all eyes were on the man keeping his seat warm back at Today.

Sports presenter James Bracey has been sitting alongside Sarah Abo, and New Idea's sources within Channel Nine say the dad of two is officially being viewed as the heir apparent to Karl's throne.

With James, 38, considered one of the nicest people in television, sources say you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone within Nine's corridors who isn't a fan. His passion for all things sport is exactly what Nine is looking for when it comes to going up against rival show Sunrise's newest recruit, former athlete Matt Shirvington.

"James has already established himself as one of the country's leading presenters," tells the source.

"Now after this great week, he is officially regarded as the best solution for when Karl's time eventually does come to an end.

"Bosses are at the point where they're looking at options before Sunrise really destroys them in the ratings," continues the insider.