Karl Stefanovic lands in Sydney with wife Jasmine Yarbrough after 'TODAY' departure announcement

Karl Stefanovic has landed back in Sydney after a headline-making week.

The 44-year-old TV presenter arrived at Sydney Airport this morning with his wife, Jasmine Yarbrough, who he married at the One&Only Palmilla resort in Cabo, Mexico, on December 8.

The former TODAY host appeared to be in good spirits as he loaded bags into a car, even giving photographers the thumbs-up. When asked if he had anything to say, he kept it brief and festive: "Merry Christmas to all."

Karl was also sporting a cap from Aspen, Colorado, where he honeymooned with Jasmine, 34, and caught up with good friend James Packer.

It's been a huge week for the Stefanovics.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Karl would not be returning to TODAY as a host in 2019.

In a statement about the decision, Nine's Director of News and Current Affairs, Darren Wick, said, "Nine and Karl Stefanovic have agreed it is time for him to step off the TODAY show. Karl remains on contract with the network and will continue to host This Time Next Year, which records in February."

He continued: "For over 14 years Karl has been at the centre of the TODAY show, bringing his unique personality and perspective to the day's news and current affairs. An announcement on the new line up and format of the TODAY show will be made in the coming weeks."

In his own statement, Karl said, "For the last 14 years I've co-hosted the best show on television. I can't thank Nine enough for the opportunity. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be good enough to host this grand show for so long. Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It's been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great Network soon."

On Thursday morning, Karl's long-time friend and colleague Richard Wilkins paid tribute to the journalist on TODAY.

"I describe him as an intoxicating mix of world's best broadcaster and naughty school boy," Richard said. "There is no secret that the past year or so has been difficult times for Karl but I can say he has walked into the studio every morning with energy and passion bringing ideas to make the show bigger and better."

Meanwhile, several of Karl's colleagues also shared fond memories with him, including his former co-host Lisa Wilkinson, who wished him luck on Instagram. "When it was good, it was great..." she wrote.

There has also been much speculation as to what the TODAY show could look like in 2019.

Adelaide newsreader Brenton Ragless, who has been filling in over the break, has been hotly-tipped as the man to replace Karl, while other reports have said the format could be completely revamped with an all-female line-up.