Craig Melvin ‘Understandably Nervous’ by Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Return Amid Savannah Guthrie’s Absence

Desperate to resurrect her TV career, Hoda Kotb made it clear to bosses at Today that she’s raring to permanently return to the morning show as she filled in for anguished pal Savannah Guthrie — but her bold ambition has sparked panic among staffers, sources say.

Hoda, 61, picked up where she left off at her old TV stomping grounds, while Savannah, 54, spent time with family amid the investigation into her 84-year-old mother’s kidnapping in Arizona. Kotb’s comeback came just over a year after she’d bid farewell to Today to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 6.

Now, insiders say Hoda feels for her friend Savannah, but as network honchos fret about the future — and Today’s ratings — she sees the upheaval as her best opportunity to reclaim the job she loved.

“Hoda is a popular figure, but there’s a lot of panic right now about how things could shape up down the line,” an insider says. “She’s keen to stay on and reclaim her full-time gig — even if Savannah does return.”

“But that means anchor Craig Melvin’s future may be up in the air, so he’s understandably nervous and hoping he doesn’t wind up being a casualty of all this upheaval.”

Meanwhile, sources say newsroom staffers wonder if Hoda — who rejoined the show for two weeks and counting during her longtime colleague’s absence — has what it takes to lead Today if Savannah resigns.

“The bosses are leaving the door wide open and praying Savannah returns,” the insider says. “They’re keen to emphasize that there’s no pressure and everyone needs to remain supportive and focused during this incredibly challenging time.”

“But at the end of the day business is business. Having Savannah away for this long has ripped the heart out of the show, and ratings are bound to suffer, as well as staff morale.

“It’s a real pins and needles situation right now. Everyone’s hoping and praying for a miracle as far as Savannah’s ordeal, but bracing themselves for major turmoil.”

Another NBC tipster notes, “This isn’t just about feelings. It’s about the franchise. Morning TV is a multimillion-dollar machine. They need stability. They need a steady hand. That hand is Hoda.”