Panic at Channel Nine as bombshell report says Sam Armytage will replace Sarah Abo: How Nine staff are TERRIFIED she will take the Today show gig as Sarah fumes and insiders wonder at the REAL intention of leak

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There’s a lot of concern at Channel Nine‘s offices in North Sydney after reports surfaced suggesting Samantha Armytage is being considered to co-host the Today show alongside Karl Stefanovic, potentially replacing Sarah Abo.

A source at Channel Nine told the Daily Mail that some employees are worried about the former Sunrise host potentially joining the breakfast show team, and that Karl Stefanovic is upset with how the network has managed the situation.

A source at Nine Network says there’s disagreement among staff about hiring Armytage. Some believe she’ll boost ratings for their breakfast show and compete with Seven, while others are concerned she might be difficult to work with.

According to a source, there’s a significant divide within the team at Nine. Younger staff on ‘Today’ are reportedly afraid to work with Sam due to her perceived difficult personality, stemming from her time on ‘Sunrise’.

Experienced leaders understand her potential to attract a new viewership, and that’s exactly what Today needs right now.

‘But they’re also concerned that Sam and Karl will blow each other up with their egos.’ 

Staff at Today have reportedly asked their managers for a quick explanation of what’s being planned, according to the Daily Mail.

There’s speculation that rumors of Shelley Armytage returning to television are a way to pressure Karl Stefanovic’s co-host, Allison Langdon, into accepting a contract with significantly lower pay. Langdon currently earns around $800,000 per year, while Stefanovic reportedly makes nearly $3 million. The idea is that the potential return of Armytage is being used to push Langdon to accept a deal that isn’t equal to Stefanovic’s salary.

Sources say Abo was told she needs to make a decision soon, or she risks losing her position to Armytage, who is 49 years old.

A senior executive stated that if they were Sarah, they would need a contract finalized by the end of the day to resolve the situation.

A friend of Abo’s said she’s frustrated and upset with how Nine has dealt with things over the last day.

Abo put on a brave face on Monday, appearing on the breakfast program alongside her co-host Karl. 

The veteran TV host appeared cheerful and professional on air, wearing a striking red suit and delivering her segments with a smile, despite personal difficulties behind the scenes.

Natalie Armytage, currently hosting the first season of Nine’s new show, The Golden Bachelor Australia, appeared stressed as she was seen out and about in Sydney on Monday morning.

Armytage appeared sad while out for a walk, wearing bright red leggings and a blue tank top.

She finished off the laid-back ensemble with a pair of Birkenstocks.  

Armytage wore her hair in a top knot as she attempted to go incognito in a pair of sunglasses. 

News broke last night that Armytage was in ‘secret talks’ with Nine to replace Abo on Today. 

According to The Australian’s Media Diary, the changes to the show’s hosts are a last-ditch effort to beat Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ in the ratings.

Experts are predicting that Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon could help the Today show finally beat Sunrise in the morning TV ratings, according to author Steve Jackson.

The network hopes to repeat the success Sunrise had when Samantha Armytage joined in 2013, a period when the show became the most-watched breakfast program.

Armytage left Sunrise in 2021 and has since helmed Farmer Wants A Wife and the Golden Bachelor.

Nine CEO Matt Stanton didn’t address rumors about David Koch’s potential departure from Today, offering a vague answer when questioned about whether Natalie Barr would be co-hosting with Karl Stefanovic.

Honestly, that’s not something I’m familiar with, and I haven’t looked at the specifics,” Stanton said.

Daily Mail has approached Nine for comment. 

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2025-10-13 05:50