‘A new chapter’: Sarah Abo leaves Nine as a familiar face is tipped to take over
In a statement shared by the Nine Network, the 39-year-old journalist expressed her gratitude to viewers and fans.
“Together with 60 Minutes, I’ve spent my time at Nine chasing stories, travelling and reporting from all over the world, interviewing some incredible and inspiring people from all walks of life.
“Becoming a mum has heralded a new chapter and sharing that with our audience has been truly special. As many of you know, this has been a significant journey for my family and will continue to be my greatest achievement.”
Rumours were even swirling that Sarah was moving to Seven after former Today Show host and Nine Network journalist Sarah Harris’s verified Instagram handle, @whatsarahsnapped, was among the thousands liking a social post by the Herald Sun revealing the “audacious bid” for Sarah Abo, 39, to jump ship to Channel Seven.
But the question on everyone’s lips is who will be her official replacement?
Who will replace Sarah Abo on The Today Show?
When Sarah first went on maternity leave, insiders at Channel Nine claimed Today Extra co-host Sylvia Jeffreys and Weekend Today host Alison Piotrowski would be the favourites to take over from Sarah.
According to news.com.au, the two women are frontrunners to take over Sarah’s place, but it won’t guarantee them a permanent slot on the Today Show.
However as there has been no confirmation yet, the announcement is likely to be announced at Channel Nine’s media upfronts on Thursday 17th September.
New Idea can also reveal that Samantha Armytage is motivated to land the coveted gig on the show, after stepping in to host over the summer holidays.
“Sam has to be a shoo-in to replace Sarah,” a TV insider dished to New Idea.
“This was never planned, but Sam is throwing her hat in the ring for the gig.
“It’s exactly the type of situation she’s been after – a permanent role but not one that will go on forever.”
Sam has insisted she doesn’t want to return to breakfast TV full-time, but insiders have claimed she’d be open to another temporary stint.
“I am completely happy to just stay in prime time now with the alarms going off at reasonable hours like 6 am,” Sam quipped to the Something To Talk About podcast.
It is not the first time that the former Sunrise star has been linked to Sarah’s role, after rumours swirled that she could take over from Sarah after stepping in over the summer holidays.
Who will replace Karl Stefanovic on The Today Show?
Even before Sarah’s pregnancy news, rumours were swirling about a permanent shake-up on the Today Show couch, which Nine firmly denied.
However Karl Stefanovic was sacked from the morning TV show following his controversial podcast interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
The longtime host was let go months before his contract was due to end at the end of the year. Sarah’s will expire at the same time.
Karl’s replacement has also not been revealed, but Tom Steinfort, Michael “Wippa” Wipfli, David Campbell and Clint Stanaway have all been touted as frontrunners.
However hours before Sarah’s announcement that she was leaving Today and Nine, one of her frontrunner replacements Sylvia Jeffreys shared a snap of herself standing next to Seven’s Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington.
“I love Aussie telly and the power it has to bring us all together. That’s why I was proud to stand with friends from 7, 9 and 10 in Canberra yesterday to celebrate 70 years of free to air TV and the social, economic and political impacts of the industry,” she captioned the snap.
“From major news events, to live sport and MAFS dinner parties, the moments that unite us should be free and universal.”