LIVID KATHIE LEE GIFFORD READY TO WALK AWAY FROM ‘TODAY’

Kathie_stry 2

NBC News has a new headache on the set of the “Today” show – with a raging Kathie Lee Gifford ready to leave the show over a “Peter Pan” snub!

The network is frantic over Kathie Lee announcing that she’s “ready to walk” after a blow-up with her boss, sources told The National ENQUIRER.

“Kathie had a huge fight with Deb (Turness, NBC News president), and the talk in the hallways is that she’s done,” a high-level TV insider said.

At the center of the spat is Kathie Lee’s anger at top brass’ decision to keep delaying her 18-minute musical “Not Today and Tomorrow’s Not Looking Good Either.”

It was supposed to air before NBC’s “Peter Pan Live” in December – and Kathie Lee only got angrier after the three-hour telecast was panned for a plodding running time.

Now her mini-musical has been continuously postponed from making its debut on “Today.”

“That tipped her over the edge,” said the source. “She was furious and felt betrayed.”

The former “Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee” star began hosting the fourth hour of “Today” with Hoda Kotb in 2008, and it’s been one of the show’s few successes during its slide to second place behind ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

An exit from “Today” would be a crushing blow for NBC, since Kathie Lee’s overblown antics bring in a legion of loyal viewers.

“This won’t be the end though,” said the source. “Kathie Lee is only 61, and would love nothing more than moving to another network in an act of revenge!”

Nerves are already frayed at “Today,” with the network shaking up the show while co-hosts Savannah Guthrie, Willie Geist and Natalie Morales worry about their jobs on the chopping block.

And as The ENQUIRER reported, Kathie Lee still hasn’t settled her score with Kelly Ripa after being replaced as co-host of “Live!”

“Kathie Lee’s like a dog with a bone – she just can’t let it go,” revealed a TV insider.

Added a source: “That’s why if Kathie Lee leaves NBC, it won’t be the last fans see of her!”