Could the Today dream team that finally put the ratings pressure on Sunrise be over?
Stevie Jacobs, the popular weatherman and all-around wacky guy, who has been with Today since January 2005, announced he's leaving the program so he can "spend more time with his family".
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Steven Jacobs' 'big announcement'
After twelve years of weekday mornings, The Today Show weatherman will move to weekend presenting in order to spend more time with his family. Vision: Today Show, Channel Nine.
He will be joining Nine's Weekend Today as their weather presenter next year.
"After years on the road with my television family, I now need to put my real family first," he said in a statement.
![Steve Jacobs, with daughter, announces he's leaving <i>Today</i>.](/web/20161203065406im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/1/e/4/4/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gt1ds8.png/1480590230390.jpg)
"My girls are starting school and Rose [Jacobs' wife] and the kids need me at home to be a great and present dad. They are the most important people in my life and have given up so much for me to follow my dreams. It is now time for me to be there for them.
"I'm still part of the family, I just won't be here with you everyday. It's just been a great honour to be part of the show," he added in an emotional announcement on this morning's episode, fighting back tears.
After 12 amazing years, @sjweather9 is taking a step back to spend more time with his gorgeous family! Enjoy it, Stevie! ❤ #9Today pic.twitter.com/UPHzj6VX8m
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) November 30, 2016
Jacobs, whose 12-year run on the show made him the longest serving weather presenter in its history, will be taking a summer break and relocating with his family to Vanuatu, before beginning work on Weekend Today.
Despite his departure, he will continue to contribute his regular segments for Today including 'Knock Of Cash' and 'Little Heroes'.
The announcement comes just as the Nine program had gained viewers on its Seven rival Sunrise, with the two networks infamously embroiled in a bitter prospective court feud over ratings.
In October, Seven threatened to sue Nine for claiming Today's overall ratings were higher than Sunrise – a fracas delving into regional audience figures – after Today loudly touted its first win over Kochie & Co, who've spent 12 years in front.
The case was quickly settled out of court, with Nine agreeing to stop promoting Today as the number one breakfast show "in Australia".
Today was this week forced to deny reports that host Karl Stefanovic was quitting the program, following a claim published in New Idea, owned by Seven's Pacific Magazines.
A statement from Nine's Director of News and Current Affairs Darren Wick revealed that the network had hired a defamation lawyer to look into the "fictitious and damaging articles".
With so much turmoil lingering in the 6-9am timeslot, 2017 promises some entertaining developments in the breakfast wars for us onlookers.
Jacobs' replacement on Today is yet to be confirmed, says Nine.