“I’m Sorry!” Pregnant Sarah Abo Just Slipped Out of the Today Show – And the CUTTHROAT Race to Replace Her is ON!

The 39-year-old breakfast television presenter, who has been absent from screens since last week, confirmed on Wednesday that she would not be returning before the birth of her first child.

While Abo had planned to begin maternity leave later this month, she revealed on Instagram she had “copped a bit of a curveball” after developing high blood pressure and spending time in hospital.

“Copped a bit of a curveball last week with high blood pressure and have been in and out of hospital since.. 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,” Abo captioned the post.

“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.”

Abo, who is expecting a baby boy with husband Cyrus Moran next month, also thanked viewers for their support, particularly in recent weeks following the shock departure of her close friend and Today co-host Karl Stefanovic.

“Thank you for your beautiful messages of love and support, particularly the past few weeks – I seriously pinch myself when I think about how many good people there are out there. So special,” she said.

On Wednesday morning, fill-in hosts Charles Croucher and Sylvia Jeffreys told viewers Abo would be leaving the program without the on-air farewell they had all hoped for.

“Sarah was hoping to return to the studio to return to you all to say goodbye to you all and head off on maternity leave, but doctors orders mean that that’s not possible right now,” Croucher said.

Jeffreys added: “She wants you to know that she is reading all of your messages, particularly over these past few weeks and it means the world to her, so please keep them coming as well.

“We are all eagerly awaiting your happy news, Sez, I hope you’re watching at home because we just want you to know how much we love you.

“Nothing is more important right now than what you’re doing right now resting, staying safe, taking care, taking it easy, and putting your health and baby’s health first as well.”

Croucher added: “She’s being well looked after.”

Abo’s early departure comes during a period of major upheaval for Today following the shock exit of longtime co-host Karl Stefanovic.

Stefanovic, 51, was axed from Nine’s flagship breakfast program, along with his radio show The Long Weekend with Eddie McGuire, after sharing his controversial interview with right-wing activist Tommy Robinson on The Karl Stefanovic Show.

With Abo now on maternity leave and Stefanovic’s replacement yet to be confirmed, speculation is mounting over who will front the program in the coming months.

Charles Croucher and fellow fill-in presenter Tom Steinfort are both believed to be contenders for the vacant male hosting role.

On the female side, Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys is understood to be among the leading candidates.

The 40-year-old previously served as Today’s news presenter between 2014 and 2018 and has extensive experience on the breakfast program.

Former Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage has also emerged as a strong contender.

The 49-year-old, who now hosts Nine’s The Golden Bachelor, previously filled in for Abo over the Christmas period alongside Nova presenter Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Nine is preparing to trial both Jeffreys and Armytage as fill-in hosts over the coming weeks as the network weighs up its long-term plans for the struggling breakfast show.

The publication reported both women were expected to spend time in the co-host chair while Nine “assesses who could lead the program alongside a new-look presenting team” during Abo’s maternity leave.

This strategy aims to narrow the ratings gap with its long-time competitor, Sunrise, which has maintained the number one position nationally since the mid-2000s.

The challenge for Nine remains significant, with recent ratings showing Sunrise attracted 466,000 viewers nationally on Monday, while Today drew 269,000.

Tuesday’s ratings told a similar story, with Sunrise pulling 465,000 viewers compared with Today’s 265,000.