Today show presenter Sarah Abo has been forced to begin her maternity leave ahead of schedule after suffering a series of health scares, including high blood pressure that has seen her hospitalised multiple times. Co-hosts Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher broke the news to viewers on Wednesday morning, relaying a message directly from Abo herself.
What happened to Sarah Abo?
Jeffreys addressed viewers who had been wondering about Abo's absence, explaining that the presenter had encountered an unexpected health complication in recent days. "She wanted us to share that while her little man isn't here just yet, last week she received a bit of a curveball with high blood pressure, and she's been in and out of hospital," Jeffreys told viewers on air.
Croucher added that Abo was in the care of her medical team and that doctors had instructed her to rest. While Abo had reportedly hoped to return to the studio to farewell colleagues and viewers in person before heading off on leave, those plans were ruled out on medical grounds. "Doctor's orders mean that that's not possible right now," Croucher said. He reassured viewers that Abo was in "the very safe hands of her doctors."
High blood pressure during pregnancy — a condition that can carry serious risks for both mother and baby — requires careful monitoring and, in many cases, hospitalisation. For more on recognising early warning signs of cardiovascular health issues, see our guide to cardiology symptoms and risk factors.
A turbulent time for the Today show
Abo's early departure comes at an already unsettled moment for the breakfast program. The news follows the recent exit of her co-host Karl Stefanovic, whose multimillion-dollar contract with Nine was axed after he interviewed British far-right figure Tommy Robinson on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, in June.
Nine chief executive Matt Stanton addressed staff late last month, stating it was "the right time for Karl to move on from the Today show and Nine." Stanton acknowledged Stefanovic's long tenure, noting he had been "a fixture on our screens for over two decades," and described the change as significant for viewers and staff alike.
Nine has not yet made a formal announcement regarding a permanent replacement for Stefanovic. It is understood the network has been working through options since Stefanovic informed management of his intention to leave some months ago. Consistent with Nine's historical approach, any appointment would likely come from within the organisation rather than from outside talent. In the interim, Melbourne newsreader Tom Steinfort and Croucher have been stepping in to cover the vacant co-host seat.
What comes next for the breakfast show
With both Abo and Stefanovic now absent from the desk, Nine faces the immediate challenge of stabilising one of its flagship programs. No timeline has been confirmed for when a permanent hosting lineup will be in place, and Nine had not responded to requests for comment at the time of the announcement.
Viewers and colleagues alike will no doubt be wishing Abo a smooth and safe delivery as she awaits the arrival of her son.
