Channel Nine veteran Peter Overton has weighed in on the rumoured Today show shake-up.
Recent reports hint at a sweeping overhaul of the popular breakfast show, with suggestions that co-host Sarah Abo may be replaced by Samantha Armytage.
As the network’s biggest stars came out for the Nine Upfronts event in Sydney on Wednesday, claims of a Today overhaul threatened to overshadow Nine’s night of nights.
Speaking to the Daily Mail at the event, Peter said he did not put much stock in the speculation, choosing instead to await official confirmation.
‘I don’t engage in rumour, only news,’ the 60 Minutes star said.
The query was also put to Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys, who had a rather awkward reply.
Channel Nine veteran Peter Overton has weighed in on the rumoured Today show shake–up
‘I’m sure you can speak to the bosses,’ the 39-year-old told Daily Mail, before making a swift exit.
Abo herself skillfully sidestepped red carpet interviews, gliding into the venue with a tight-lipped smile.
The television host ensured she didn’t run into Armytage, either – making her way inside quickly before joining ranks with her Today show co-stars.
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.
According to the publication, Nine is banking on the ‘Armytage effect’ which saw Sunrise score a ratings victory when she 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.
Nine CEO Matt Stanton did little to dispel the chatter regarding Abo’s future at Today, giving The Australian a coy response when asked if Armytage was stepping into the role alongside Stefanovic.
‘I don’t know. I’m not into that level to be honest, I haven’t seen that level of detail,’ Stanton told the publication.
Recent reports hint at a sweeping overhaul of the popular breakfast show, with suggestions that co-host Sarah Abo (pictured) may be replaced by Samantha Armytage
Speaking to Daily Mail at the Nine Upfronts event in Sydney on Wednesday, Peter offered a blunt response to the claims. ‘I don’t engage in rumour, only news,’ he said.
Abo joined Today in 2023, replacing outgoing host Allison Langdon.
Langdon had announced her departure in 2022. She then stepped into the hosting role at A Current Affair, replacing long-time presenter Tracy Grimshaw.
Abo’s reported recent push for a bigger pay packet is part of the motivation for the switch-up, The Australian claimed.
Stefanovic has recently been offered a multimillion, multi-year deal by Nine, but the network is keeping an eye on the ratings under Karl’s reign.
The breakfast show host has reportedly landed himself a $3 million per year contract, according to The Australian in June.
Abo makes only $800,000 a year, according to Mediaweek, highlighting a stark gender pay gap between the two.
Reports of the overhaul have also generated a lot of chatter online, with many viewers arguing on Media Spy it would be a mistake for Nine to give Abo’s Today chair to Armytage.
It was reported by The Australian over the weekend that Abo could soon be ousted from the high-profile hosting gig and replaced by breakfast television veteran Armytage (pictured)
According to the publication, Nine is banking on the ‘Armytage effect’ which saw Sunrise score a ratings victory when she joined the program in 2013
‘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.
‘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.’
