Sarah Abo’s shock move to Seven accidentally confirmed by former Today star

Karl Stefanovic’s immediate firing from the Today Show sent a ripple through Australia’s media industry, but a harmless double-tap might have just exposed what’s going to happen next, and who will take his place.

This week, eagle-eyed industry insiders spotted that Sarah Harris’s verified Instagram handle, @whatsarahsnapped, was among the thousands liking a social post by the Herald Sun revealing the “audacious bid” for Sarah Abo, 39, to jump ship to Channel Seven.

While it might seem like a seemingly innocent action to an onlooker, television sources tell New Idea this move carries far more weight behind the scenes.

With added pressure currently on breakfast television after Karl’s public fall from grace, there is chatter swirling that Harris might know something more.

Given Harris’ history as a former Today Show host and Nine Network journalist, industry insiders say her subtle move has only added further fuel to the growing speculation.

“Sarah’s like did not go unnoticed by executives, and it could very well hint that she knows something,” the TV insider shares.

“Everyone in the industry is chatting, everyone. It’s not the type of thing you do on social media without wanting people to see it – she might have been sending a message.”

The subtle digital nod has instantly supercharged the rumours surrounding the future of Nine’s flagship breakfast program. With speculation mounting that major talent shifts are on the horizon, spaces at the top are suddenly looking precarious – and the clock is ticking.

With Harris having previously been on the now-defunct Channel 10 show The Project, could she also be eyeing a slot on Today?

“There are some big seats to fill in for Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo,” the insider continued, adding that Harris is “likely throwing herself into that chair”.

“Perhaps she knows that Sarah [Abo] is eyeing off a gig at Seven and is entering chats about what her future could look like at Nine.”

Some industry heavyweights are speculating that Abo might consider a permanent move back to Melbourne, where she was raised, once she welcomes her first child.

While there is no confirmation about the role she would have at Seven, she notably had chemistry with Sunrise’s Matt Shirvington when they presented together at the 2024 TV Week Logie Awards.

Slated to go on maternity leave in August, it means a second immediate vacancy at Nine needs to be urgently filled.

“Sarah Abo has made no secret out of the fact she’d love to be closer to her family, and she could easily get a job at Spotlight,” the insider notes.

However, in order to restore stability to a brand with dwindling ratings, Harris is in a prime position to secure it for herself.

Currently anchoring the breakfast news slot for Nova 96.9’s Ricki-Lee & Tim, Harris has been vocal about the massive shift away from the small screen following the conclusion of her previous television gig on The Project.

If the latest industry murmurs are anything to go by, her release from television might just be a temporary intermission.