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Why Georgie Gardner wasn't on The Today Show desk this morning.

Georgie Gardner was noticeably absent from The Today Show panel this morning amid stories surrounding Uber-gate going into their second week.

However, despite rumours producers had deliberately separated the two a day after New Idea published exactly what was said between Karl and Peter Stefanovic, it appeared Gardner had simply been sent to cover the New South Wales bushfires in Tathra.

Meanwhile, Peter Stefanovic was also sent to cover the bushfires from Bega, while Sylvia Jeffreys was sent to Victoria to cover the fires there.

While some may argue that Gardner was sent to cover the fires to avoid more discussion on air – particularly after a thinly-veiled jab calling Stefanovic “pathetic” made headlines on Monday – over at Sunrise, the panel was equally split, with Sam Armytage reporting from Tathra.

The Nine Network also reportedly denied the rumours, telling MailOnline Georgie was simply “doing her job and sharing the stories of these devastated communities”.

Georgie Gardner talks to Mia Freedman on No Filter. Post continues after audio.

On Monday, New Idea published their exclusive interview with the Uber driver who, after picking up Peter Stefanovic and wife Sylvia Jeffreys, said he overheard the controversial 45-minute conversation between the brothers over loud speaker.

“He called Karl and told him he was in a cab and that he was on speaker phone so they all were aware I was there and could hear everything,” he told New Idea.

He said the older Stefanovic complained about Gardner “sitting on the fence” by not having enough opinions and needed to “step up” if she wanted to remain on the show.

Gardner has not publicly commented on the saga.