Pregnant Today show host Sarah Abo has taken early maternity leave due to health complications, informing Channel Nine bosses weeks ago of concerns for her unborn baby. The announcement of her early departure comes amid significant upheaval for the breakfast program, following co-host Karl Stefanovic's recent exit.
Abo, who is in her third trimester, revealed on Instagram that she has been dealing with high blood pressure and has been hospitalized. She stated that doctors have ordered rest as they monitor her and the baby's health, confirming she will not return to the show for a farewell.
According to reports, Abo had expressed her concerns about work stress impacting her pregnancy to Nine's morning television director, Steve Burling. These concerns reportedly arose on the same day she had to announce Stefanovic's departure live on air. Sources indicated that Abo was already under strict orders to monitor her stress levels prior to Stefanovic's interview with controversial far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, which ultimately led to his exit from the network.
Abo and her partner, Cyrus Moran, announced their pregnancy in March, having conceived via IVF after two previous miscarriages. IVF pregnancies are typically monitored more closely and classified as high-risk by obstetricians.
Stand-in hosts Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher announced Abo's absence on Wednesday, stating that doctors' orders prevented her from returning for an on-air goodbye. They conveyed her gratitude for viewer support during this period.
The Today show has faced a turbulent period with Stefanovic's departure. Reports suggest the network is considering a significant overhaul of the program, potentially including a relocation to Melbourne and changes to on-air talent. The program's future direction has been a subject of speculation since Stefanovic's exit last month.