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Loser Matt Lauer In Secret Talks With Ex 'TODAY' Anchor Bryant Gumbel For TV Comeback

//matt lauer comeback plotting tv return bryant gumbel pp
Source: GETTY IMAGES, RADAR EXCLUSIVES (2)

Jan. 16 2019, Updated 1:02 p.m. ET

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Disgraced TODAY perv Matt Lauer jetted to Florida for secret talks with pal Bryant Gumbel about making his TV comeback, RadarOnline.com can reveal exclusively! RadarOnline.com has learned the morning show hound dog quietly ducked into West Palm Beach on Jan. 3, where he was spotted lugging his own bags. The 61-year-old waited for a rental car shuttle beside fellow passengers who barely gave him the time of day.

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A spywitness revealed Lauer — whose marriage collapsed after NBC fired him for sexual misconduct in November 2017 — hid behind shades and a hat and looked terrified that someone would recognize him. "Matt was wearing a sweater despite the Florida heat and looked very thin," dished the source. "He definitely didn't appear to be himself or anything like how he looked on TV. He was incredibly gaunt."

Insiders revealed the former anchor was staying with HBO Sports host and former Today anchor Bryant and his wife — where they put the wheels in motion to get Matt back in front of the camera, where he firmly believes he belongs!

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Click through for more on the story!

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matt lauer comeback plotting tv return bryant gumbel
Source: Getty Images

"Matt and Bryant are still extremely close friends," added an insider.

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matt lauer comeback plotting tv return bryant gumbel
Source: Getty Images

As RadarOnline.com has reported, since Kathie Lee Gifford announced she was leaving Today, Lauer has hoped her exit would give him an opening to return to morning TV.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

Lauer was fired from his $25 million-a-year morning gig after NBC received a complaint of sexual harassment about him at the 2014 Winter Olympics.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

Further investigation by the network uncovered three more accusers, although other media investigations reported up to ten victims accusing him of sexual misconduct.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

Insiders said Lauer also preyed on an esteemed co-worker's assistant, but he still feels he should be given another chance.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

In August 2018, it was reported Lauer would pay wife Annette Roque up to $20 million in a divorce settlement.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

And they agreed to share custody of their three children.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR
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Soon after, Lauer was seen skulking around NBC's office at Rockefeller Center and having meetings with various former producers about getting back on TV.

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Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

Now, with Gifford's plan to leave and embattled Megyn Kelly also out at NBC, Matt's hoping to reclaim his daytime gig.

Matt Lauer Skinny Alone Florida
Source: RADAR

"This just might be Matt's chance to show that he's turned over a new leaf!"

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