The race to replace Karl Stefanovic on the Today show is heating up -and two familiar faces are leading the pack

Channel Nine's search for a new Today show co-host is heating up, with veteran presenters Samantha Armytage and Sylvia Jeffreys reportedly preparing to audition as fill-ins, as the network continues to hunt for a replacement for Karl Stefanovic.

According to industry sources, both Armytage, 49, and Jeffreys, 40, are expected to spend time in the co-host chair over the coming weeks, as Nine assesses who could front the struggling breakfast program, reports The Daily Telegraph.

The reported trials come amid growing speculation the network is weighing up its long-term future for the flagship breakfast show, with Stefanovic permanently gone and co-host Sarah Abo preparing to take maternity leave.

The network is also believed to be considering several options for its broader presenting team.

Longtime Newcastle NBN newsreader Jane Goldsmith is understood to be a leading contender to take over the newsreading role.

While Nine appears to have several strong female candidates in the mix, finding a permanent male co-host to replace Stefanovic is reportedly proving far more difficult.

The network is expected to use Abo's maternity leave as an opportunity to test a variety of on-air partnerships before making any long-term decisions on the future line-up.

The renewed speculation surrounding Today comes as the breakfast program struggles in the ratings, being soundly defeated by Channel Seven's competitor, Sunrise.

Meanwhile, the Nine Network has dropped the new radio show The Long Weekend from its 9Now and Stan streaming platforms following Stefanovic's exit.

Stefanovic, 51, was slated to co-host the show alongside fellow media veteran Eddie McGuire, with expectations that it would be a multi-platform rollout.

However, it would seem Nine has quietly dropped the show, which can now only be heard on Gold FM, according to the Herald Sun on Saturday.

The only episode available on Nine is the June 26 upload where McGuire addressed Stefanovic's absence following his career-ending interview with Tommy Robinson. 

Stefanovic, who sensationally left Nine after his controversial chat with the British far-right activist, only appeared in two episodes of The Long Weekend.

McGuire, 61, has continued to host the show solo with the help of newsreader Georgia Love and anchor Toni Tenaglia. 

Nine streaming and broadcast managing director Amanda Laing had said it 'made perfect sense' for the Nine stars to have their show promoted on 9Now and Stan.

However, it seems that sentiment has since withered away following the recent fallout and media storm surrounding Stefanovic and his podcast The Karl Stefanovic Show. 

McGuire confirmed last week that he will no longer be sharing the mic with Stefanovic on his ARN radio show The Long Weekend.

The sports commentator sent well-wishes to his mate and short-lived colleague while appearing solo on the show last weekend.

'As extensively reported this week, my co-host and friend Karl Stefanovic will no longer be part of The Long Weekend show, as he dedicates the next phase of his amazingly successful career,' McGuire said.

'I wish Karl the best of luck as his storied and ever-colourful media journey continues. Good on you, Karlos. It was short and sweet, mate, and I wish you all the best.'

Stefanovic had appeared on just two episodes of the three-hour Friday show, broadcast across ARN's Gold radio network.

According to the AFR, sources revealed the network made the decision to end their relationship last month.

Stefanovic's contract was worth approximately $200,000 for the rest of the year.

It was a fresh blow to Stefanovic after it was confirmed he had left the Today show and Channel Nine late last month.