‘Class act’: Today Show star spills on shock exit as off-air secret revealed

After Sarah Abo’s departure from breakfast TV was confirmed, more details have emerged.

Today Show newsreader Jayne Azzopardi has shared her thoughts on the exit of her colleague Sarah Abo, describing the popular presenter as a “class act”.

Sarah – who welcomed a son, Sonny, with her husband of 12 years Cyrus Moran, in July – shocked fans of the Channel Nine show when she announced she was leaving on September 16.

In a heartfelt statement, Sarah said that becoming a mum after a “significant journey” had been her “greatest achievement”, but that she would miss her colleagues “dearly”.

She had been co-host of the Today Show for almost four years and was on maternity leave when the announcement was made.

The Daily Telegraph reported that the network decided not to renew her contract reportedly after the star rejected alternative roles, including newsreading in Melbourne.

“I’m very grateful for all the support that you’ve all shown me and I’ll miss you terribly, but there is more to come,” Sarah told her fans in an Instagram video after the news was made public.

“And I’m excited about that and I look forward to that in due course. But for now, it’s a big thank you!”

It was subsequently confirmed that Tom Steinfort and Sylvia Jeffreys would become the new hosts of the Today Show.

However, Sarah’s friend and colleague Jayne decided to go the extra mile in giving a shoutout to the departing star.

“A moment for this woman,” Jayne requested on her Instagram page. “We share a birthday, we’ve shared a TV studio for the last couple of years and will share a friendship for years to come.

“You are a class act, @sarahabo. Sonny & Cyrus are the luckiest ❤️ I will miss sharing that 4am call time with you, but I can’t wait to see what comes next!”

Sarah herself responded to the callout by telling her friend, “Love you Jayno”, before spilling a little secret on what happens off-air after the show.

“Have loved sharing that desk with you – leaning over for a chat, a knowing look, the relief when you pull out your extensions at the end of the show. Every moment has been a total joy,” Sarah quipped.

“You’re the best at what you do and the absolute best colleague any one of us could ever hope for. See you soon birthday twin xx.”

Indeed, while fans have reacted with sorrow to Sarah’s departure, sources say she’s likely already been snapped up!

In August, an industry insider told Woman’s Day the popular star was set to grace the screens of Seven.

“It is almost certain Sarah is going to go to Seven – the way Nine have messed her around if the rumours are true is appalling,” the insider said. “Someone like Sarah deserves respect.”

“Seven have had their sights on Sarah for a long time – they can use her across so many platforms and if it’s Melbourne then at least Sarah is where she wants to be.”

On September 16, the Daily Telegraph poured fuel on speculation of a move to Seven.

“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 weeknights role,” a source told the outlet.

A Nine insider added, “It’s a real loss to Nine – Sarah was one of the brightest talents at the network.

“Sarah’s such a down-to-earth, genuine person which made her so relatable to viewers and adored by colleagues.”