Channel Nine's search for 's successor appears to have hit an early hurdle.
Showbiz
Michael Willesee Jr. Mocked as Today Co-Host
Channel Nine's search for Karl Stefanovic's successor appears to have hit an early hurdle.Viewers delivered a brutal verdict on guest presenter Michael Willesee...
Viewers delivered a brutal verdict on guest presenter Michael Willesee Jr. after his first outing in the Today co-host chair on Monday.
Willesee Jr., who is married to A Current Affair host , stepped in alongside as Nine continues to trial potential presenters following Karl's departure and Sarah Abo's early maternity leave.
Within minutes of the broadcast beginning, social media erupted with criticism, with some viewers questioning the veteran journalist's suitability for breakfast television.
'No no no - I just can't... Anyone in the producer's chair heard of screen tests BEFORE putting people in the lead chair?' one viewer wrote.
'You have a long list of charismatic and engaging male presenters to choose from to cycle through the chair, so what have you done? Have you just given up?'
Channel Nine's search for Karl Stefanovic's successor appears to have hit an early hurdle. Viewers delivered a brutal verdict on guest presenter Michael Willesee Jr. after his first outing in the Today co-host chair on Monday. Pictured with co-host Sylvia Jeffreys
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They added: '2 mins in and I'm done, next please...'
Another viewer didn't hold back, writing: 'Where the F did they get the new guy from? Feel like I'm watching SBS haha.'
A third compared the presenter to a funeral director, posting: 'Who put the mortician in charge of the show? zzzzzzzzzzzz.'
Others admitted they were already switching channels.
'Who's the new bloke? Not working for me,' one viewer commented.
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'Officially made the switch to Sunrise now,' another declared.
A further viewer added: 'Who is this new guy... omg I just can't.'
The reaction comes as Nine continues testing various combinations in the wake of major changes to its breakfast line-up.
Within minutes of the broadcast beginning, social media erupted with criticism, with some viewers questioning the veteran journalist's suitability for breakfast television
Another viewer didn't hold back, writing: 'Where the F did they get the new guy from? Feel like I'm watching SBS haha'
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Willesee Jr. spent almost 11 years at Sky News Australia between 2003 and 2014 and has also worked on both the Australian and US editions of A Current Affair. He is pictured here with his wife Allison Langdon
With Karl no longer at the helm and Sarah beginning maternity leave earlier than expected following a health scare, executives are searching for the right chemistry to front the flagship breakfast program.
Willesee Jr. certainly brings extensive television experience to the role.
With Karl Stefanovic no longer at the helm and Sarah Abo beginning maternity leave earlier than expected following a health scare, executives are searching for the right chemistry to front the flagship breakfast program
The network previously experimented with two female co-hosts in 2018 when Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner fronted Today, although that format .
