Channel 9 Axes Sarah Abo from Today Show in Favour of Sam Armytage in Desperate Bid to Topple Sunrise
- Sarah Abo’s contract extension talks stall as Nine prioritises Karl Stefanovic’s $3 million annual deal
- Sam Armytage, who left Channel 7 in 2024, is tipped to join Stefanovic on the Today show, sparking fears for Abo’s future
- Armytage has been secretly testing the waters for a breakfast TV comeback, filling in for Abo on Today last year
- Stefanovic recently declared he “doesn’t see Sarah ever being replaced” – but insiders claim Abo’s days are numbered
In a shocking move, Channel 9 is reportedly set to axe Sarah Abo from the Today show in favour of Sam Armytage, in a desperate bid to topple Seven’s Sunrise in the breakfast ratings war. According to sources, Abo’s contract extension talks have stalled, with Nine prioritising Karl Stefanovic’s $3 million annual deal.
Armytage, who left Channel 7 in August 2024, has been secretly testing the waters for a breakfast TV comeback, filling in for Abo on Today last year. Insiders claim she has been in talks with Nine executives, who believe pairing her with Stefanovic could be the key to finally beating Sunrise.
Abo, who has co-hosted Today with Stefanovic since 2023, is said to be “upset” and “frustrated” by the stalled contract talks, with sources claiming she has sought a pay rise from next year. However, Nine executives are believed to be looking for a fresh start, with Armytage’s name at the top of their wish list.
Stefanovic recently declared he “doesn’t see Sarah ever being replaced” – but insiders claim Abo’s days are numbered. “We hear Nine’s television kingmaker Michael Healy has made no secret of the fact he believes pairing Armytage and Stefanovic could prove the key to toppling Seven’s Sunrise,” a source revealed.
Armytage has been open about her struggles with the early morning wake-up calls, telling Stellar magazine she was “actively avoiding the news” since stepping away from the daily grind. “Getting up all those years at 3am was really hard. It affects your social life badly. It’s hard on your body. I don’t necessarily miss that,” she said.
But despite her reservations, Armytage is believed to be eager to return to breakfast TV, and is said to be “choosy” about her next move. As for Abo, it remains to be seen whether she will be able to negotiate a new deal or if she will be forced to leave the show.
The news comes as Nine prepares to unveil its programming slate for next year at its annual upfronts event on Wednesday. Insiders claim the network’s bosses will be pushing their new line-up, which is expected to include Armytage and Stefanovic as the new faces of Today.