Sarah Abo and her Today co-star Karl Stefanovic put on a united front as they arrived at the Nine Upfronts in Sydney on Wednesday.
The event, which is the network’s night of nights and sets the tone for the following year at the channel, was overshadowed by reports that Abo could soon be ousted from the breakfast program – and replaced by Samantha Armytage.
Stefanovic, 51, was clearly eager to show his support for Abo, 39, on Wednesday, as he laid a comforting, supportive hand on her waist as the pair made their way inside.
The two walked in stride along the footpath before embracing briefly outside the doorway of the event.
Abo threw her arm up over Karl’s shoulder, and he returned the gesture by holding onto her waist, before they again parted.
The small gesture was a show of unity between the pair, whose onscreen partnership is under threat, according to new reports.
Sarah Abo and her Today co-star Karl Stefanovic put on a united front as they arrived at the Nine Upfronts in Sydney on Wednesday. Both pictured
The event, which is the network’s night of nights and sets the tone for the following year at the channel, was overshadowed by reports that Abo could soon be ousted from the breakfast program – and replaced by Samantha Armytage
Stefanovic was clearly eager to show his support for Abo on Wednesday, as he laid a comforting, supportive hand on her waist as the pair made their way inside
Karl’s warmth towards his co-star could indicate that he is not keen to see her leave his side any time soon – or is offering his support at what is a trying time for the television host.
Adding to the awkwardness, Armytage, who is hosting the upcoming first season of The Golden Bachelor, was in the house – and looked ready for her close up.
Samantha, 49, put in a glamorous appearance in a fitted black jumpsuit and was absolutely glowing as she became the talk of the town.
With bombshell claims emerging that Abo’s Today show days are numbered, the rumour mill has already started going into overdrive over where she will end up.
It was reported by The Australian over the weekend that Abo could soon be ousted from the high-profile hosting gig and replaced by Samantha Armytage.
The casting shake-up is said to be a ‘desperate bid to wrestle the TV breakfast crown from Seven’s rival Sunrise’.
One fan suggested on Media Spy that the move could force Abo into a career on the airwaves after the Today star recently showed off her radio talent on Nova FM.
‘Might explain why Sarah Abo recently filled in for Chrissie Swan on her radio show. Exploring her future options,’ they suggested.
Abo, who has appeared as a guest many times on The Chrissie Swan Show, most recently filled in for the radio star during the last week of September.
The two walked in stride along the footpath before embracing briefly outside the doorway of the event
Abo threw her arm up over Karl’s shoulder, and he returned the gesture by holding onto her waist, before they again parted
The small gesture was a show of unity between the pair, whose onscreen partnership is under threat, according to new reports
Karl’s warmth towards his co-star could indicate that he is not keen to see her leave his side any time soon – or is offering his support at what is a trying time for the television host
With bombshell claims emerging that Abo’s Today show days are numbered , the rumour mill has already started going into overdrive over where she will end up
Meanwhile, news of the potential shake-up generated much chatter, with many viewers arguing it would be a mistake for Nine to give Abo’s Today chair to Armytage.
‘Karlos and Sarah are just fine atm. No need to change,’ one offered.
Another suggested there had already been too many personnel changes announced at the network.
‘The one thing Today doesn’t need is another presenter change, from the change at sport, to a new Weekend Today line-up next year, it’s in for a lot of change,’ the viewer said.
‘Changing out Sarah is not necessary. I don’t believe it will help the ratings.’
One said that the potential move could backfire on Nine, especially if the Armytage-hosted Golden Bachelor fails to win over fans.
‘They would want to be careful about putting Sam in their show, as you never know. The Golden Bachelor might rate terribly, and it could be an embarrassment to put her on Today if the show isn’t good,’ they said.
Others were quick to claim that Armytage would be a perfect addition to the Today team.
Abo joined Today in 2023, replacing outgoing host Allison Langdon
According to The Australian, Nine is banking on the ‘Armytage effect’ which saw Sunrise score a ratings victory when Armytage joined the program in 2013
Adding to the awkwardness, Armytage (pictured), who is hosting the upcoming first season of The Golden Bachelor, was in the house – and looked ready for her close up
‘I for one would love to see Sam back on morning television,’ a viewer offered.
‘Her fun personality and versatile ability as a host makes her perfect for the format.’
According to The Australian, Nine is banking on the ‘Armytage effect’ which saw Sunrise score a ratings victory when Armytage joined the program in 2013.
Armytage left Sunrise in 2021 and has gone on to helm Farmer Wants A Wife and the upcoming Golden Bachelor.
Abo joined Today in 2023, replacing outgoing host Allison Langdon.
