The departure of Karl Stefanovic may have cleared the way for Robert Irwin to take the seat in Nine’s Today studio, if “industry sources” are to be believed.

The morning show has suffered a ratings blow since Nine parted ways with Stafanovic over his podcast interview with British far-right figure Tommy Robinson, and a much publicising search for his replacement continues.

Now New Idea claims that Nine executives are “desperately trying to get Robert Irwin to join their ranks and take over from Karl, 51, and they’re prepared to offer him ‘whatever he wants’ “.

Several possible replacements have been suggested in the search to find a co-host to join Sarah Abo at Today, including Brenton Ragless, Charles Croucher and David Campbell.

According to New Idea‘s source, the names already leaked to the media could be Nine’s way of “throwing people off the scent” while it gets its “ducks in a row” with the 22-year-old Irwin.

To supposedly add weight to its Irwin-Today theory, the magazine pointed to the fact that Irwin is one of just 195 people followed by the Today Instagram account.

It quoted “TV insiders” as saying Today is highly selective about who it follows, particularly personalities connected to the network.

“It’s the sort of thing people inside television notice,” New Idea quoted an “industry source” as saying.

“It could be coincidence … or it could be the first breadcrumb.”

Speculation of a move to Seven or Nine for Irwin was rife after the Ten Network paused production of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, which he co-hosted with Julia Morris since 2024.

If there is any truth to the New Idea claims, it would be just the latest in a string of high-profile roles for Irwin, who is fast gaining international appeal.

As he prepares to host the Logie Awards on Channel Seven next month, he is working on a Disney’s US Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro spin-off show featuring professional dancers.

The son of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, has also helmed multiple advertising campaigns.

Fast becoming entertainment royalty, Irwin has also rubbed shoulders with heir to the British throne, Prince William.

The pair reunited to jump onto one of London’s new electric buses last month to promote their shared passion for the environment as part of the prince’s Earthshot Prize.