Karl Stefanovic has penned a very pointed message to his co-host Sarah Abo in the wake of the TV presenter’s rumoured battle with Samantha Armytage for her Today role.

Karl Stefanovic has heaped praise on Sarah Abo in the wake of the Today co-host’s battle with Samantha Armytage for her brekkie TV hosting role.

Stefanovic took to Instagram on Saturday to wish his Nine co-host a happy 40th birthday, posting a photo of the Melbourne journalist beaming beside his wife Jasmine Yarbrough and their daughter Harper, four.

The 51-year-old in the caption championed Abo’s “strength” after Nine unveiled Armytage as her Christmas break replacement following reports the ex-Sunrise presenter was in line to snatch her coveted position.

“She’ll hate this. But who cares. I’m humbled and grateful to have strong women in my life. Women who make my life,” Stefanovic wrote.

“Women like Sarah Abo. What a privilege to know you. Your strength through adversity.

Stefanovic also notably praised Sarah’s laughter after fans called for Armytage to boot her, taking aim at the star’s “unbearable giggling”.

“Your grace and your laugh are glorious. You show up, sister. Every day. Happy birthday 40th Sares,” he said.

“You rock like Madonna doing karaoke in Chinatown.”

 

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Responding to his heartfelt tribute in the comments, Abo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Stefanovic every day.

“Karlos! You gorgeous man!! Thank you. You know me too well,” she said.

“You are just such a joy, such a beautiful friend. So lucky I get to laugh with you every day…the best time. Hit it, Madonna.”

Abo’s co-stars continued to applaud her, with Today weather presenter Tim Davies commenting three black heart emojis.

Host Jayne Azzopardi dubbed Sarah the breakfast show team’s “Queen”, while sports presenter Danika Mason said she was “a true icon”.

Also joining in the celebration was Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins, who wrote: “Love and respect you so much, Sarah. Happy Birthday.”

The support comes as Nine revealed Armytage, who is currently hosting The Golden Bachelor, will fill in for Stefanovic and Abo alongside Nova radio host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli until January 19.

Despite speculation the network is considering Armytage for a more permanent role at Today, it is understood Abo signed a new contract which will see her keep her seat on the popular breakfast show.

Industry website TV Blackbox last Thursday reported Abo “agreed to a new deal” to secure her future at the morning show alongside Stefanovic.

She enlisted high-profile accountant Anthony Bell to handle her contract negotiations, according to The Daily Telegraph’s Sunday Confidential.

Samantha Armytage was rumored to replace Today co-host Sarah Abo. Picture: Wendell Teodoro/Getty Images

Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo attend the 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards at The Star on August in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Don Arnold/WireImage

Abo, who replaced Allison Langdon on the Today desk in 2022, is rumoured to be earning $800,000 per year, while Stefanovic is reportedly pocketing an alleged $2 million per year despite working the same job.

It’s unknown whether Abo’s new contract will close the pair’s salary gap amid the ongoing decline in revenues among free-to-air broadcasters.

Abo’s new deal will likely do little to dispel industry speculation Armytage, who presented rival Sunrise with David Koch for nearly a decade, could take a permanent chair alongside Stefanovic to supplant the Seven show as Australia’s most popular breakfast programme.

Armytage, 49, responded to the rumours she could replace the journalist during a live radio interview with 2GB’s Ben Fordham last month.

“Look, I think Sarah’s wonderful,” she said.

“I saw her at the Nine Upfronts the other night, and we gave each other a hug and I said, ‘Are you okay?’ and she’s good.

“Sarah and Karl are fantastic.

“I am very happy in prime time – Golden Bachelor is where it’s at for me. I’m quite content with my little lot in life, thank you.”

Today Extra’s David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys will occupy the Today desk ahead of Samantha and Wippa.

Familiar Nine faces Alison Piotrowski, Dr Nick Coatsworth, Joel Dry, and Jayne Azzopardi will then present for the first few weeks of 2026.