Sarah Abo is reportedly being lined up for a move to Seven just days after announcing her surprise departure from Today and the Nine Network.
The 39-year-old television presenter confirmed she was leaving Nine in a press release issued on Wednesday afternoon.
Sources have now told The Daily Telegraph that Abo could join the rival network once she returns from maternity leave.
Her potential arrival is said to be part of a wider shake-up within Seven’s Melbourne newsroom.
‘I think they would give her her own space on the weekend with a time frame to improve the ratings and if it works she will move into the weeknight role,’ a source claimed.
‘It wouldn’t surprise me if Seven scooped her up to bolster its Melbourne newsroom. Sarah is adored by viewers in Melbourne,’ another Nine source said.
Sarah Abo, 39, is reportedly being targeted by Seven following her shock exit from Today and the Nine Network.
The Daily Mail has contacted Seven for comment.
The reports follow Nine’s confirmation on Wednesday that Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort will replace Karl Stefanovic and Abo as hosts of Today.
Abo has been on maternity leave and had been presenting alongside a rotating line-up of guest co-hosts since Stefanovic departed in June.
Steinfort will replace Stefanovic, while Jeffreys will take over when Abo permanently departs at the end of the year.
Nine confirmed the news in a statement, saying the appointments follow ‘extensive research, viewer behaviour and audience feedback’.
Jeffreys said she was honoured to continue the show’s legacy after nearly 15 years with the Today show family.
The TV presenter announced her exit from Nine via a press release on Wednesday afternoon
‘I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Today show family for nearly 15 years and it’s always felt like home,’ she said.
‘It’s an honour to continue the legacy of this programme, to be welcomed into the homes of our audience, and to steer the show into a new era alongside Tom.’
Steinfort described the role as a privilege and said he was excited to work alongside Jeffreys.
‘I never thought I’d be this pumped to be getting up at 3am every day, but it’s a privilege to be part of such a successful show,’ he said.
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‘I’m thrilled to be doing this alongside Sylvia – she’s a brilliant broadcaster, a great mate and a lot of fun.
‘We have an incredible team around us and such a loyal audience… I can’t wait to get stuck in.’
Now, sources claim she is tipped to jump ship to the rival network when she returns from maternity leave, according to The Daily Telegraph
As a result of the reshuffle, Belinda Russell will permanently join David Campbell as co-host of Today Extra.
Nine also confirmed Alicia Loxley will continue anchoring Melbourne’s 6pm weeknight bulletin on 9News Melbourne.
The new Today hosting team is set to appear on air from 5.30am on September 18.
Abo announced the news of her exit via a press release on Wednesday afternoon.
‘Words can’t express how grateful I am to our viewers for letting me into your homes to be part of your morning routine. Without you, there is no Today show,’ she said.
‘Together with 60 Minutes, I’ve spent my time at Nine chasing stories, travelling and reporting from all over the world, interviewing some incredible and inspiring people from all walks of life.’
Abo said that motherhood had ‘heralded a new chapter’ and that sharing that with her audience had been ‘truly special’.
‘As many of you know, this has been a significant journey for my family and will continue to be my greatest achievement,’ she said.
‘I’d like to thank the wider Today team – the amazing crew, incredible producers and my wonderful fellow hosts – you all know how much you mean to me.
‘It takes a special kind of crazy to wake up at the hours we do but it’s so much easier when the team feels like family. I’ll miss you all dearly.’
Her departure from Nine comes after the shock exit of her former Today co-host Stefanovic in June.
Stefanovic abruptly resigned from the network after his interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson, which he uploaded to his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, on YouTube, only to delete it hours later after facing backlash.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Channel Nine said that Stefanovic could not continue working at the network while also hosting his podcast.