Sarah Abo is tipped to join Seven Melbourne’s main news bulletin after leaving Today, marking a shock move for one of Australia’s most well-known TV journalists.

After seven years at Nine, the 39-year-old, currently on maternity leave, announced on Wednesday that she was leaving the network to begin a “new chapter.”

“Words can’t express how grateful I am to our viewers for letting me into your homes to be part of your morning routine. Without you, there is no Today Show,” she wrote. 

“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.”

However, insider sources suggest Ms Abo is likely to join rival network Seven during a significant reshuffle in Melbourne’s television news lineup, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Ms Abo might join veteran Seven Melbourne newsreader Peter Mitchell, who has been a presenter with Seven News Melbourne for almost 30 years, according to the masthead.

Seven dismisses this as speculation, saying the move alongside Mr Mitchell will not happen.

The source said Ms Abo could start on weekends before potentially moving into a weeknight presenting role. 

It further claimed Seven would give Ms Abo a window to turn the ratings around before reassessing the situation.

“If it works, she will move into the weeknights role,” an insider said. 

Some industry figures are likely to view the move favourably, with Nine insiders citing Ms Abo’s strong connection with viewers.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Seven scooped her up to bolster its Melbourne newsroom – Sarah is adored by viewers in Melbourne,” the source said.

Other sources described Abo’s departure as a notable loss for Nine, highlighting her genuineness and strong rapport with viewers.

“Sarah’s such a down-to-earth, genuine person, which made her so relatable to viewers and adored by colleagues,” the source said.

Ms Abo’s departure marks a major shift in Nine’s TV schedule, just months after Karl Stefanovic left in June, leaving the network without two of its main Today hosts.

Mr Stefanovic’s exit was triggered by a controversial interview with far-right commentator Tommy Robinson.

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