Karl's future HANGS IN THE BALANCE

THE TODAY SUPERSTAR IS CONSIDERING HOW LIFE MIGHT LOOK AFTER BREKKIE TV

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It was supposed to be Channel Nine's night of nights. On September 7, the network wheeled out their brightest talents to help launch their 2024 content, and made a song and dance about their new $305 million deal to broadcast the next five Olympic Games.

Sadly for the bosses, all the talk at their star-studded afterparty centred around one person Today host Karl Stefanovic, who was largely missing in action.

The network veteran made a brief, rehearsed appearance alongside his co-host Sarah Abo at the official launch, but onlookers noted there was no chemistry between the pair.

Photos show Karl and Sarah arriving at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion separately. They looked tense as they made their way from the dressing room to the stage.

Karl makes no secret of the fact he loves a good time, yet he didn't stick around at the afterparty.

With an early start the next morning, he left it to Sarah and their colleagues Alex Cullen, Brooke Boney and Tim Davies to represent Today.

One Channel Nine staffer at the event told New Idea that Karl “hasn’t seemed himself lately”. Another added it was “strange” he wasn’t holding court in the VIP section.

“Usually these nights are all about him,” the source adds. “But I don’t even think he stayed for a drink after the launch!”