Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic have put on a united display at Nine Upfronts – amid claims the Today co-host was “blindsided” by reports Samantha Armytage could replace her on the breakfast show.

Today co-hosts Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic have put on a united front at Nine after a report claimed Samantha Armytage could be set to replace Sarah.

The TV personalities stepped out together in Sydney on Wednesday for Nine’s Upfronts, which sets the network’s agenda for the following year.

Stefanovic and Abo were all smiles as they arrived side by side at the event and embraced briefly, with Abo hugging Karl’s shoulder.

He returned the affection and, with supportive arms around his co-host’s waist, eagerly showed his encouragement before the two parted ways.

Despite the event being marred by suggestions Stefanovic and Abo’s duoship is under threat, he continued to show a brave face on Instagram.

The journalist shared a selfie with Channel Nine’s breakfast show crew at the event, accompanied by a very pointed caption.

Today co-hosts Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic have put on a united front at Nine. Picture: Instagram
“If it is true that management have been the driving force behind getting Sam Armytage to replace her, then she feels all her hard work to make this job work has gone down the drain – it’s like the worst type of betrayal,” the source said.

“She feels completely blindsided – going back, she never even wanted this job, but they convinced her she was the right person for the role.

Abo is reportedly weighing whether to leave the network on her own terms for a better opportunity.

Armytage also fronted the Nine event in a glamourous black jumpsuit but did not speak on reports Nine is eyeing her to take over the Today desk alongside Karl, to supplant Seven’s Sunrise as Australia’s most popular breakfast show.

The ex-Sunrise presenter, 49, showcased a glamorous makeover on Wednesday, donning a white Carla Zampatti number at Glass Brasserie restaurant .

Armytage unveiled a makeover in a white Carla Zampatti dress with floral cutouts. Picture: Instagram Stories

She stepped out at Glass Brasserie restaurant in Sydney. Picture: Instagram Stories
She paired the look with tan sandals and a stylish beige wicker bag.

The Woman’s Day source claimed Armytage, who just finishing hosting Nine’s new dating show The Golden Bachelor, was indeed gunning for Abo’s job.

“Sam was never going to be happy with just The Golden Bachelor – she’s ready for Part Two – and she wants to be given an opportunity to get Today at least back in the ratings race,” the insider said.

Fans of the show are divided over the claims she could boot Sarah, with those in favour of the move arguing the co-host offers no value.

“Sarah Abo needs to go. No substance and just sits there giggling,” one person said on social media.

“Also, can’t even ask the hard questions. Sam would be the better choice with Karl.”

“If only Sarah had a more bearable laughter, I would not want her to go, and I do like Sam. They should replace Karl, too!” another person said.

Others argued Abo was a mainstay of the programme and her absence could jeopardise Nine, calling for Karl to be booted instead.

“Sarah is nailed in to the show, there is no room for Samantha,” one person said.

“I will never watch Armytage again,” another person said.

Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on the Today Show Picture: Channel 9
“Stefanovic and Armytage…two big egos on the same show… let’s see how that will work because I can’t see that working at all,” a third person said.

Staff at Nine are said to be “terrified” over the possible reshuffle over speculation Armytage was challenging to work with at Sunrise, according to network insiders who spoke to Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday.

However, supporters of the move are reportedly confident it could increase the breakfast show’s audience, creating a divide among staff.

“There’s a big team split at Nine,” one insider told the publication.

“Junior staff on Today are terrified to work for Sam because of her reputation for being a bit difficult at Sunrise.

Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo’s Today duoship is under threat. Picture: Don Arnold/WireImage
“The more senior people get it. They think that she will bring in a new audience…and Today needs it.”

The source said, despite their hopes, senior staffers were also concerned Samantha and Karl could “blow each other up with their egos”.

It comes as Abo is renegotiating her contract with Nine for a bumper pay increase from her current $800,000 a year, a whopping $2 million less than Stefanovic despite working the same job and hours.

A senior executive said they would want to sign a contract by the end of the day to put a stop to Armytage’s takeover if they were Sarah.

Her position at the network remains unclear, with Nine CEO Matt Stanton tight-lipped on whether she could be at Nine in the new year.

“I suspect so,” Mr Stanton told The Australian.

He was even less forthcoming about the Stefanovic-Armytage team-up.

“I don’t know. I’m not into that level, to be honest. I haven’t seen that level of detail,” he said of the reshuffle.

Armytage sat on the Sunrise couch alongside David Koch from 2013 until 2021.

The combination of Armytage and Koch saw Sunrise consistently take the lead in the morning TV wars against rival Today.

Armytage defected from Seven to Nine last October and was unveiled as host of the network’s new dating show The Golden Bachelor. Picture: Hanna Lassen/Getty Images for TV WEEK Logies Awards
Armytage defected from Seven to Nine last October and was unveiled as host of the network’s new dating show The Golden Bachelor, which premieres on Monday.

Abo joined Today in 2023, replacing outgoing co-host Allison Langdon.