The Nine Network has hired Karl Stefanovic a defamation lawyer after a series of gossip magazine articles were published about his split with wife Cassandra Thorburn.

Stefanovic, 42, separated from Ms Thorburn earlier this year meaning the pair has become a regular fixture in gossip magazines.

New Idea has published articles claiming Stefanovic had moved onto another woman after the split, and that he had quit as Today Show co-host.

A spokesperson for the Nine Network confirmed to The New Daily that a defamation lawyer had been hired for Stefanovic.

In a statement the Nine Network’s director of news and current affairs Darren Wick said : “This very personal campaign is being prosecuted by weekly women’s magazines running fictitious and damaging articles about Karl Stefanovic that are without any foundation of fact.

“At best, this is lazy and reckless reporting. At worst, there is a case that this campaign is designed to damage not only his reputation but our business as well and we no longer intend to tolerate these lies.

“Nine has instructed Mark O’Brien, one of Australia’s most experienced media and defamation lawyers, to act on Karl and Nine’s behalf in this matter and take the necessary steps to defend his reputation against the endless fabrications.”

The stories in question included two recent articles by New Idea. One published on Monday claimed Stefanovic had quit as Today Show co-host and would move the the United States.

Previous to that, a New Idea story claimed Stefanovic had “fallen for” a close friend.

Both claims have been denied. New Idea is owned by Nine Network’s rival, Seven West Media.