Ben Fordham: Karl Stefanovics True Conservative Views Revealed

is not surprised by 's swing into right-wing politics, revealing on Thursday that his good mate has always been quietly conservative. 

The 2GB radio host told news.com.au that the Channel Nine star was unable to express his true beliefs while appearing on the Today Show. 

'This is the real Karl and anyone who thinks there's been a dramatic transformation in Karl Stefanovic hasn't known him as long as I have,' he said.

'He has always had conservative political views, and maybe he just hasn't had the opportunity to display them on the Today Show.'

The 49-year-old stopped short of but stressed that his recent focus on conservative topics on his new podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, is a natural evolution for the television personality. 

'I'm not at all surprised by the angle he has taken with the podcast because he has always had conservative views,' Fordham said. 

It comes amid reports Stefanovic is '.

His early exit follows intense backlash over his independently produced podcast interview with British right-wing activist Tommy Robinson. 

The pair discussed immigration, Islam and Australian politics, before the episode was swiftly removed online.

Nine previously stressed the podcast was produced independently and was not affiliated with the network, but confirmed it was taking the controversy seriously.

On Wednesday evening, The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed Stefanovic's departure from Nine, indicating the decision was made in part to 'defuse a major advertiser boycott'.

Stefanovic was told the network ''. He is expected to depart immediately.

The TV star, who has been a Nine stalwart for some 25 years, has six months and more than $1 million left to be paid on his 12-month contract.

Meanwhile, both  and have weighed in on Stefanovic's exit from Channel Nine, following backlash over his interview with .