Show caption Karl Stefanovic has been axed as co-host of Channel Nine’s Today show. Photograph: Nine/Today Nine Entertainment Karl Stefanovic dumped as Today show co-host by Channel Nine Nine’s director of news says it is time for Stefanovic to ‘step off’ the program after 14 years Naaman Zhou @naamanzhou Wed 19 Dec 2018 00.45 EST Share on Facebook

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Karl Stefanovic, the long-running co-host of Channel Nine’s Today show, will leave the program effective immediately, the network has said.

Stefanovic had co-hosted the flagship breakfast TV show since 2005 but, on Wednesday, Channel Nine’s director of news, Darren Wick, said it was “time for him to step off” the program after 14 years.

He will remain with the network – hosting another show called This Time Next Year – but will be replaced on the breakfast show “within the next few weeks”.

The Today show has suffered a significant slide in its ratings this year, after the departure of co-host Lisa Wilkinson in 2017. In September, it was soundly beaten by competitor Sunrise on Channel Seven.

Stefanovic’s private life had become the subject of tabloid media scrutiny in recent weeks.

In a statement, Stefanovic said he “never in [his] wildest dreams” thought he would host Today for so long, and referenced the program’s ratings and his own personal issues.

“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most,” he said. “It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there.”

In 2017, Wilkinson left the program over a pay dispute, after executives refused to raise her salary to match or better Stefanovic’s.

Stefanovic made international headlines in 2014 when he claimed to have worn the same blue suit every day, to make a statement about sexist double standards on TV. While his female colleagues were frequently criticised for their fashion choices, Stefanovic revealed that nobody noticed his repetition because “no one gives a shit”.

However, in 2016, he was heavily criticised for repeatedly using the slur “tranny” on air, and later apologised.