With the Today show continuing to stagnate with embarrassingly low ratings, former host Karl Stefanovic is believed to be in secret negotiations to return to the program. As reported by Woman's Day on Tuesday, Karl, 44, needs to make a heartfelt apology for 'stuffing up' on the program, however, before he takes the hosting seat once again. 'Of course Nine are denying it, but it's 100 per cent correct that they are actively chasing Karl to come back - everyone at the network knows Today needs the TV version of open-heart surgery to even survive,' a 'source' told the publication. Scroll down for video Wake-up call? Karl Stefanovic (pictured) is reportedly in 'secret negotiations' to return to the Today show, according to Woman's Day on Tuesday... as Nine plans a massive overhaul of the morning program The source added that Karl's return to the ailing Today show is conditional on his 'admitting defeat' and to 'publicly acknowledge he had to leave because of personal issues'. A representative for Karl, however, has denied the claims, telling Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday: 'There's no truth to this rumour whatsoever. 'Karl is not returning to Today, nor are there any talks taking place - secret, or otherwise - to that effect.' Comeback? With the Today show continuing to stagnate with embarrassingly low ratings, former host Karl (right) is believed to be in secret negotiations to return to the program. As reported by Woman's Day on Tuesday, Karl, 44, needs to make a heartfelt apology for 'stuffing up' on program, however, before he takes the hosting seat once again Woman's Day also reported that Nine is planning a massive overhaul of Today at the end of this year - with completely new anchors. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Nine for comment. There is no denying that Nine is desperate to resuscitate the Today show, as it continues to flail in the ratings. 'Of course Nine are denying it, but it's 100 per cent correct that they are actively chasing Karl to come back - everyone at the network knows Today needs the TV version of open-heart surgery to even survive,' a 'source' told the publication. Pictured: Karl with Georgie Gardner The one-time leading morning program has struggled in the ratings since launching its all female lineup in January. And Channel Nine appears to have promoted Tom Steinfort, 35, to the anchor desk in a bid to win back viewers. In an new ad released on Thursday, hosts Georgie Gardner, 49, and Deb Knight, 46, were joined by Today newsreader Tom, fuelling speculation that producers have implemented another 'shakeup' to boost ratings. New faces? Woman's Day also reported that Nine is planning a massive overhaul of Today at the end of this year - with completely new anchors. Pictured: Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie A voice-over states: 'Breakfast TV's most experienced team of journalists, wake up with Georgie, Tom and Deb'. It comes after The Australian reported earlier this week that network bosses are said to be planning another 'shake-up' in light of low ratings. 'Today's hosting duo Deb Knight and Georgie Gardner will effectively become a trio,' the newspaper alleged. Another shakeup? A new Today show promo has fuelled speculation the lineup has changed again amid reports newsreader Tom Steinfort (centre) will join Georgie (left) and Deborah (right) on the news desk 'Expect to see more of Steinfort in all facets of Today from now on, breaking up what viewers perceive to be a competitive dynamic between Gardner and Knight.' Weather presenter Steve Jacobs is also said to be taking on a more significant role on the breakfast program. A Channel Nine insider told The Australian that audiences were always going to struggle to accept an all-female hosting duo on Today. Low ebb: Ratings have plummeted since the Today show launched its all-female lineup in January. Pictured: Georgie (right) and Deb (left) 'Viewers have had decades of a male-female combination. It takes time to change that sort of habit,' they said. When contacted for comment, a Nine spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Our promos, marketing and publicity has been consistent in its messaging of "wake up with Georgie, Deb and Tom" since we launched in January. Nothing has changed.' Either way, media observers are expecting big changes at Today if the program is to have any chance at survival in the ultra-competitive breakfast show market. Critical: Media observers are expecting big changes at Today if the program is to have any chance at survival in the ultra-competitive breakfast show market All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility