Today presenter Sarah Abo has confirmed she will not return to the breakfast program before beginning maternity leave, revealing that an unexpected health complication forced her to step away earlier than planned.

The announcement comes during a turbulent period for Nine, following Karl Stefanovic’s departure from the show and ongoing speculation about the future of the hosting lineup.

Sarah breaks her silence after sudden absence

After missing several editions of Today, Sarah took to Instagram to explain the real reason behind her abrupt exit, putting an end to rumours surrounding her disappearance from the program.

The 39-year-old, who is expecting her first child, revealed she had developed high blood pressure and had spent time in and out of hospital under medical supervision.

“Copped a bit of a curveball last week with high blood pressure and have been in and out of hospital since,” she wrote.

Sarah reassured viewers that both she and her unborn baby are doing well thanks to the care of doctors, nurses and midwives.

“Thankfully I’m in the safe hands of magnificent doctors, nurses and midwives taking incredibly good care of bub and me and we are both well.”

However, doctors have instructed her to rest while they continue monitoring her condition, meaning she will not return to Today before officially commencing maternity leave.

“They have ordered rest as they monitor me though! Which means I won’t make it back to @thetodayshow to say goodbye to all you wonderful people before so abruptly heading off on maternity leave… I’m sorry.”

Although Sarah has not publicly revealed her due date, she announced her pregnancy in March and had originally been expected to begin maternity leave next month.

Viewers updated live on Today

On the morning Sarah shared her health update, Today presenters Sylvia Jeffreys and Charles Croucher informed viewers of her situation during the live broadcast.

Her unexpected departure leaves the breakfast show without one of its main hosts at a time when the program is already navigating significant on-air changes.

Nine faces fresh challenge after losing both main presenters

Sarah’s early departure comes only weeks after Karl Stefanovic exited the program, creating another major challenge for Nine as it works to reshape the future of Today.

Since Karl’s departure and Sarah’s absence, the network has relied on a rotating group of presenters to fill the hosting roles.

According to New Idea, sources claim Nine is under increasing pressure to find the right long-term hosting team, with management continuing to assess various on-air combinations.

The publication reported that executives are carefully considering potential permanent replacements while attempting to preserve the chemistry that audiences expect from the breakfast show.

However, these claims have not been independently confirmed by Nine.

Speculation continues over the show’s future

The changes have fuelled ongoing speculation about who will eventually lead Today alongside the remaining presenters.

According to New Idea, fill-in hosts Tom Steinfort and Charles Croucher have both stepped into key roles during the transition, while the network is reportedly continuing to evaluate future hosting arrangements.

Although reports suggest additional screen testing is taking place behind the scenes, Nine has not officially announced any permanent replacements.

Sarah’s focus remains on her growing family

For now, Sarah’s priority is her health and the safe arrival of her first child.

Her update reassured viewers that both mother and baby are doing well, with medical staff continuing to monitor her condition as she begins maternity leave earlier than expected.

While her farewell to viewers came much sooner than planned, the broadcaster’s message made clear that stepping away was the right decision for both herself and her growing family.