Sarah Abo has left the Today show early to go on maternity leave, the hosts announced on Wednesday morning. Presenters Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher provided the update directly from Abo, saying the presenter had suffered a few health scares and following medical advice, decided to take leave early.
They said Abo had been dealing with high blood pressure, which she had received last week. 'We have a little news to share with you at home this morning, because, of course, many of our wonderful Today show viewers have been wondering where the beautiful Sarah is,' Jeffreys said.
'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.'
Abo posted to Instagram following the Today update, apologising for not being able to farewell viewers and saying that doctors had 'ordered' her to rest while monitoring her health.
'Copped a bit of a curveball last week with high blood pressure and have been in and out of hospital since, thankfully I'm in the safe hands of magnificent doctors, nurses and midwives taking incredibly good care of bub and me,' she said.
'I won't make it back to [the Today show] to say goodbye to all you wonderful people before so abruptly heading off on maternity leave. I'm sorry.
'Thank you for your beautiful messages of love and support, particularly the past few weeks – I seriously pinch myself when I think about how many good people there are out there.'
The announcement comes just weeks after Abo's co-host, Karl Stefanovic, had his multimillion-dollar contract axed by Nine following his interview with the British far-right figure Tommy Robinson on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, in June.
Nine has been approached for comment and has yet to announce a replacement for Stefanovic.
Abo announced her pregnancy in March after years of fertility struggles.
Historically, Nine has recruited largely from within, so it's unlikely any outsiders will take Stefanovic's seat.
The network's Melbourne newsreader Tom Steinfort and Charles Croucher have been filling in for Stefanovic over the past few weeks.
The announcement raises questions about the network's future plans for the Today show and who will replace Karl Stefanovic.
In related news, rival breakfast show Seven's Sunrise has secured I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! next year, with Natalie Barr announcing the news on Wednesday morning.
No further details have been confirmed regarding Abo's maternity leave cover.
Sarah Abo's health scare comes as the Australian media is grappling with the challenges of providing support for pregnant staff and their families in the workplace.
Abo's departure will undoubtedly be a significant change for the Today show and Australian television viewers.
The network will need to decide on a cover for Abo's maternity leave, and whether to bring in a new co-host or continue with the current lineup.
The Today show has undergone significant changes in recent times, with Karl Stefanovic's departure being a major shake-up.
The network's leadership will need to carefully consider its options and ensure that the show continues to thrive in the absence of Abo and Stefanovic.
Sarah Abo's maternity leave is expected to last several months, giving the network ample time to decide on a new direction for the show.
The health scare highlights the importance of supporting pregnant women and new mothers in the workplace, and the need for businesses to adapt to the changing needs of their employees.
Abo's experience serves as a reminder that even high-profile women in the media are not immune to the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.
As the media continues to navigate the complexities of pregnancy and work, Abo's story will undoubtedly resonate with many women who have faced similar challenges.
The Australian media landscape is constantly evolving, and the departure of Sarah Abo from the Today show is a significant reminder of the changes that are taking place.
In the coming weeks and months, the network will need to navigate these changes and ensure that the show continues to thrive in a rapidly shifting media landscape.