‘MEL IS IN, KARL IS OUT!’
Seven’s former golden girl could be set to topple Nine’s former golden boy...
While industry insiders had her pegged to reclaim her spot on Seven’s Sunrise couch after Samantha Armytage’s swift exit earlier this year, Melissa Doyle has shocked Australia by announcing she’s set to star on rival station Nine, hosting a new true crime series, Australia Behind Bars.
And while Nine has stated that she hasn’t yet signed a fulltime contract, a wellplaced industry insider reveals a secret “five-year deal” has been put into place that could see Mel, 51, dominate the breakfast TV timeslot once again – and rake in millions!
“Mel has her sights on the Today show,” the source tells Woman’s Day. “She’s always wanted to return to breakfast TV, and rumour has it at Nine that she’ll be doing part of the summer coverage on Today with a view to taking over the reins next year.”
MEL’S IN CHARGE!
Revealing that she’s a current frontrunner to take over from Allison Langdon, whose contract is said to be up at the end of the year, the source divulges Mel may request some pretty explosive adjustments, which could have a dramatic effect on Karl Stefanovic!
“It’s going to be a hard sell for her to sign any contract that sees her sit alongside Karl,” says the insider, who adds while the pair are cordial at industry events, they would struggle to work alongside each other five mornings a week.
“That’s pretty non-negotiable for her,” the source says, adding that Mel’s “number-one choice” as a co-host would be her close friend Ben Fordham, followed by former Seven colleague Michael Usher as a close second.
“If Nine wants to keep Mel on, and all signs are pointing to keeping her, they’ll give her whatever she wants.
“Mel’s kids are now a bit older and she’s had a number of years to figure out her next steps, but she’s ready to come back and fire on all cylinders.”
Today producers are said to be chomping at the bit to get Mel on board too, with the source adding that they believe she could just be the ticket that restores Today to its former glory.
“Everyone in TV knows she’s one of the hardest workers in the industry. She’s driven, likeable and doesn’t get ahead of herself in the ego stakes,” says the insider.
FURIOUS KARL
With rumblings about Mel’s future with the Nine network, some have been left wondering what that means for 47-year-old Karl...
“Karl is furious. Not only because he had put his hand up for the hosting role of Australia Behind Bars, but he can also see the writing on the wall with Mel’s signing and what it holds for his future,” says the source.
“Karl’s time might finally be up at Today. And this time, it’ll be for good.”
‘She doesn’t get ahead of herself in the ego stakes’