Australian TV presenter Sarah Abo was unexpectedly rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
The 39-year-old was set to co-host Channel 9’s Carols by Candlelight, but was suddenly struck down with severe appendicitis, a painful condition where the appendix becomes inflamed.
Her co-host David Campbell broke the news to viewers during the show, saying: “Breaking news tonight. My beautiful co-host Sarah Abo has been struck down by appendicitis. She’s undergone an appendectomy in the past few days and is now under doctor’s orders to rest up. Apparently, anchoring a three-hour national TV show doesn’t qualify as resting. I’ve seen her do the Today show in her sleep, but this is too much. I just want to say, Sarah, get better. I miss you, pal.”
Sarah later updated her followers on social media from her hospital bed, reassuring them that she was recovering well.
She posted: “Hello from hospital! Which is not where I thought I’d be tonight…but my appendix had other ideas! And unfortunately surgery has kept me from being at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl sharing this magical evening with you all, alongside my friend, the magnificent David Campbell. Thankfully, all is good, and I’ve been very well cared for by an incredible team of doctors and nurses. And I’ll be watching another incredible team – the one behind Carols by Candlelight – from my hospital bed tonight.”
The TV presenter’s health journey this year has been marred by challenges. Just last month, she opened up about a “devastating” diagnosis live on air. During a segment on gluten-free eating while presenting the Today show, Sarah revealed her recent coeliac disease diagnosis, saying: “I was recently diagnosed as a coeliac. This is devastating; I love pasta and pizza; I love all bread. Now what? When I go to restaurants, I have to ask if they have gluten-free options. I can even make my own flourless chocolate cake.”
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition where the body’s immune response attacks the small intestine after consuming gluten, and those affected must stick to a strict gluten-free diet.