Channel Nine's search for a successor to former "Today" show host Karl Stefanovic encountered a significant challenge as guest presenter Michael Willesee Jr. faced a barrage of criticism from viewers during his Monday appearance. Willesee Jr., husband of "A Current Affair" host Ally Langdon, co-hosted the program alongside Sylvia Jeffreys as the network continues to evaluate potential candidates following Stefanovic's departure and Sarah Abo's early maternity leave.
Within minutes of the broadcast, social media platforms were inundated with negative reactions. Viewers questioned Willesee Jr.'s suitability for breakfast television, with one user asking, "Who put the mortician in charge of the show? zzzzzzzzzzzz." Others expressed immediate dissatisfaction, with comments ranging from "No no no - I just can't..." to "Where the F did they get the new guy from? Feel like I'm watching SBS haha."
Many viewers indicated they were switching to rival programs, with one viewer stating, "Officially made the switch to Sunrise now." The public's response highlighted a perceived lack of chemistry or appeal for the guest presenter on the flagship breakfast program.
Broadcasting Background
Willesee Jr. brings extensive television experience to the role. He worked at Sky News Australia for nearly 11 years between 2003 and 2014 and has also contributed to both the Australian and U.S. editions of "A Current Affair." Throughout his career, he has filed reports for Nine News Australia. He hails from a prominent Australian broadcasting family; his late father, Mike Willesee, was a highly regarded television journalist with a career spanning ABC, Seven, and Nine networks.
The network is actively seeking a permanent replacement for Stefanovic, compounded by Sarah Abo's unexpected early maternity leave due to a health scare. Jeffreys has been considered a potential long-term candidate after stepping into the co-host role two weeks prior. However, internal speculation suggests that "Today" newsreader Jayne Azzopardi is a frontrunner, with executives reportedly considering salary and on-air dynamics. Former "Sunrise" host Samantha Armytage has also been mentioned as a possible contender, with reports indicating the network might be exploring an all-female hosting lineup alongside Jeffreys. Channel Nine previously experimented with a two-female co-host format in 2018, which lasted one year.