Sarah Abo pulls out of Carols By Candlelight 2024 after undergoing surgery

Nine star Sarah Abo has explained why she was unable to attend the traditional Carols By Candlelight this year.

Today Show host Sarah Abo missed her Christmas Eve co-hosting slot at Carols By Candlelight after undergoing surgery just days prior.

Abo was noticeably absent when the program began at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Host David Campbell confirmed that it was the “first time ever” that he was hosting solo and revealed the reason behind Abo’s absence.

“If you haven’t heard, my beautiful co-host has been struck down by appendicitis,” he said.

Campbell confirmed that Abo had undergone surgery to remove her appendix and was under a doctor’s orders to “take it easy.”

“Apparently hosting a three-hour national TV show is not taking it easy,” he quipped.

“I have seen her (Sarah) host the Today show in her sleep but this – too much.

“I just want to say Sarah, get better. I miss you pal, right here.”

Campbell then led a chorus from the 10,000-strong crowd to wish Abo a “Merry Christmas”.

A statement from Abo on Instagram followed shortly afterwards.

“Hello from hospital! Which is not where I thought I’d be tonight... but my appendix had other ideas!” she wrote.

”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. Doctor’s orders!

A statement was released on Abo's Instagram assuring viewers of her condition. Picture: Instagram

The hospitalised host was thankful for her co-host’s acknowledgment during the program. Picture: Instagram

”Thankfully all is good and I’ve been 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. What a special evening and beautiful cause helping support the work of Vision Australia.

”I hope you all have a wonderful night, wishing you all a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year. Much love,” Abo wrote.

She then posted a follow-up Instagram story thanking her co-host and the viewers for the “shout out.”

This year’s Carols by Candlelight line-up included performances from Mahalia Barnes, Michael Paynter and Javon King (Jesus Christ Superstar), Meg Washington, Dani Im, Tim Campbell, Tarryn Stokes, as well as the Australian Girls Choir and the National Boys Choir.

Carols by Candlelight celebrated 87 years with Tuesday night’s show.

Originally published as Sarah Abo pulls out of Carols By Candlelight 2024 after undergoing surgery