Viewers of Nine’s Today show were treated to a surprise this morning when ousted former host Karl Stefanovic appeared on their screens.

Stefanovic used the guest appearance to brag about his current role from Hawaii, where he is on assignment for 60 Minutes.

A very familiar face dropped by to tell us all about the new season of This Time Next Year Australia. We can't wait to see it @karlstefanovic! #9Today #TTNY pic.twitter.com/AvqFx7NsY5

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) August 5, 2019

A jovial Stefanovic was on the show to promote his Nine program This Time Next Year, which begins for a new season this week.

His former co-host Georgie Gardner even told him to “stop bragging” about his latest role.

But was the guest slot hinting at something bigger?

Still contracted with the media giant, differing rumours about Karl’s future with Nine have been swirling since he departed the Today show last year.

One such rumour is that Stefanovic is set to return to the same show he was axed from.

But featuring on The Kyle and Jackie O Show this week, Stefanovic shutdown the possible return.

“There’s no chance,” he said of returning to the program. “No one has asked me to go back to the Today show. I have been enjoying myself doing a bit of 60 Minutes and This Time Next Year. It’s a great combination and I have been able to rest a bit which is good.”