Louise Rugendyke

Updated September 16, 2026 — 3:29pm,first published 2:37pm

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Co-host Sarah Abo has confirmed she is leaving the Today show.

In a statement on Wednesday, Abo said: “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.

“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.”

Sarah Abo has been on maternity leave since July.Sarah Abo has been on maternity leave since July.Nine

Abo, who has been on maternity leave since July, made her announcement the day before Nine’s upfronts event, at which the broadcaster – which owns this masthead – traditionally unveils its 2027 line-up. It has long been speculated that Nine would announce its new Today show line-up at the event, and rumours have swirled that either Samantha Armytage or Sylvia Jeffreys could join the program, along with Tom Steinfort.

Asked whether Abo’s contract had not been renewed, and about speculation around whether Steinfort and Jeffreys would be named the new hosts of Today, a Nine spokesperson referred this masthead back to its statement.

Related ArticleFormer Today host Karl Stefanovic is in a legal battle with his podcast producer Keshnee Ibrahim after a right-wing interview got him sacked.

Abo and her husband welcomed a baby boy, who they named Sonny, in July.

“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,” Abo said on Wednesday.

“I’d like to thank the wider Today team – the amazing crew, incredible producers and my wonderful fellow hosts – you all know how much you mean to me. It takes a special kind of crazy to wake up at the hours we do, but it’s so much easier when the team feels like family. I’ll miss you all dearly.”

The breakfast program was thrown into turmoil earlier this year with the sacking of long-time host Karl Stefanovic, who had his contract terminated after he interviewed convicted fraudster and right-wing agitator Tommy Robinson on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.

Today’s weatherman, Tim Davies, also announced his resignation last month. His last broadcast is due on Friday.

A rotating line-up of Nine personalities has been filling in for Stefanovic and Abo, including former Sunrise host Armytage, who joined Nine in 2024 after 21 years at Seven. Jeffreys, meanwhile, co-hosts Today Extra with David Campbell.

Nine executive director of news and current affairs Fiona Dear paid tribute to Abo, saying: “Sarah has been an integral part of the Today team, bringing warmth, energy and first-class journalism to the program each morning.

“It takes enormous skill to front 3½ hours of live television every day, and Sarah did it with sharp journalistic instincts. We thank her for everything she brought to Today, and wish Sarah and her family all the very best.”

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Louise RugendykeLouise Rugendyke is the National TV editor and a senior culture writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via X or email.From our partners