Amidst annual speculation that fallen “Today” host Matt Lauer could return to TV , there speculation his “savvy publicist girlfriend,” Shamin Abas, has helped to keep the comeback story alive, a source tells Page Six.

“She is encouraging him to keep trying and she is definitely persistent. There have been instances of second and third acts with other stars, so they think people will give him a chance,” the source said.

We’re told the PR whiz believes shows like “The Morning Show” — featuring a character played by Steve Carell that’s seems to mirror Lauer and his past NBC scandal — helps their case to get him back on the small screen.

(Apple Original series’ showrunner Kerry Ehrin told The Hollywood Reporter , “It wasn’t designed to be about him.”)

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