Sarah Abo was forced to pull out of Channel Nine’s televised coverage of Carols by Candlelight at the last minute due to a life or death emergency.
The Today show star was scheduled to co-host the event with David Campbell live from Melbourne, before she was struck down with appendicitis and rushed to hospital.
‘Breaking news tonight from the Bowl,’ Campbell explained to a packed house at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl during Tuesday’s telecast
‘I’m hosting solo for the first time because my wonderful cohost, Sarah Abo, is recovering from appendicitis.
‘She underwent surgery just a couple of days ago and is following her doctor’s orders to rest,’ he continued.
Sarah Abo was forced to pull out of Channel Nine’s televised coverage of Carols by Candlelight at the last minute due to a life or death emergency. Pictured
‘Hosting a three-hour national TV show is no small task, so Sarah is taking the time to recover fully.
Campbell went on to praise the TV veteran, while conveying the urgency
‘I’ve seen her dedication on the Today show, even when she’s exhausted, but this situation requires rest,’ he added.
‘Sarah, get well soon – we all miss you here at the Bowl.
Campbell then urge the crowd and audience at home to send Sarah some festive cheer by wishing her a Merry Christmas.
It’s not the first time Abo has faced a health challenge this year.
In November, the TV veteran revealed she was diagnosed with coeliac disease during a segment on the Today show.
The TV presenter was discussing ways to prepare delicious gluten-free meals with her co-host Karl Stefanovic, 50, and a celebrity nutritionist when she made the revelation.
It’s not the first time Abo has faced a health challenge this year. In November, the TV veteran revealed she was diagnosed with coeliac disease during a segment on the Today show. Pictured alongside Karl Stefanovic and Dr Joanna McMillan
‘I was recently diagnosed as a coeliac. This is devastating, because I love pasta, pizza and all bread,’ Sarah explained.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten – a protein found in bread and wheat products – damages the small intestine.
While it is not life-threatening in itself, sufferers must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to minimise the risks of contracting certain types of cancer, including lymphoma or small bowel cancer.
Sarah told celebrity nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan she was heartbroken she could no longer eat her favourite foods.
The expert reassured Sarah there were lots of delicious gluten-free options available to her.
This includes fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy and various types of grains, all of which Sarah is still able to safely consume.
‘When I go to restaurants, I have to ask if they have gluten-free options. I can even make my own flourless chocolate cake,’ Sarah told Karl.
Dr McMillan told Sarah she will still be able to enjoy a tasty and varied diet, provided she does her research in advance.
The TV presenter, 39, was discussing ways to prepare delicious gluten-free meals with her co-host Karl Stefanovic when she made the admission
Sarah took over from long-time Today presenter Allison Langdon in January 2023, after Ally scored a plum hosting role on Channel Nine’s A Current Affair.
In April last year, a Today show insider revealed why Sarah never talks about her decade-long marriage on air.
While her co-host Karl relishes in discussing his family life with wife Jasmine Yarbrough on the show, Sarah has avoided discussing her husband Cyrus Moran since joining Today.
According to a new report, Sarah is ‘very protective of Cyrus’ and has made it clear to Nine bosses that her husband is ‘off limits’ during on-camera discussions.
‘By nature he is publicity-shy. He much prefers being behind the scenes, supporting his wife as she navigates her way through one of the toughest TV gigs,’ an insider told New Idea magazine.
Sarah is apparently ‘hell-bent’ on keeping her marriage out of the tabloids, especially after seeing the media frenzy surrounding Karl’s divorce from first wife Cassandra Thorburn.
Cyrus works as a trader at a Melbourne steel mill and helps facilitate trade between Australian and international companies.
The couple, who do not have any children, quietly marked their tenth wedding anniversary in December 2022 when they attended the wedding of a close friend.
Both are graduates of Monash University, with Cyrus completing his Bachelor of Arts History degree in 2004, the same year Sarah began studying journalism there.
While Sarah usually keeps tight-lipped about her relationship status, she does occasionally post loved-up photos of her and Cyrus on social media.
One Instagram snap from May 2022 shows the lovebirds celebrating Cyrus’ 40th birthday as Sarah lovingly embraces him at a party.
Sarah captioned the photo with some heartfelt words: ‘Happy birthday. Beautiful, blurry, you. #fortyandfine.’
