The Today show has been rocked by rumours that former Sunrise host Samantha Armytage is in ‘secret talks’ to replace Karl Stefanovic‘s co-host Sarah Abo.

But if the wave of online backlash is anything to go by, Nine may be wise to reconsider its options.

Fans of the program have expressed their outrage at the idea of Abo, 39, being shunted for industry veteran Armytage, 49, in an attempt to win the ratings war against Sunrise.

‘The one thing Today doesn’t need is another presenter change, from the change at sport, to a new Weekend lineup next year. It’s in for a lot of change. Changing out Sarah is not necessary. I don’t believe it will help the ratings,’ one user commented online.

‘Karlos and Sarah are just fine at the moment. No need to change,’ another agreed, as someone else added: ‘You’re joking right? There goes Channel 9.’

‘Sarah over Sam any day of the week. Sarah has a great and genuine vibe,’ yet another wrote.

Furious Today show fans have slammed shock claims Samantha Armytage, 49, (pictured) will replace Sarah Abo

Elsewhere, another viewer warned: ‘Keep Sarah or goodbye morning television. The entire team complement each other and I love their banter.’

Many users threatened to abandon the program altogether if Armytage takes the helm.

‘If Sam is in, I am out,’ one wrote, while another agreed: ‘If they lose Sarah, they lose me!’

‘If Samantha Armytage replaces Sarah, that’s when I change to channel 7,’ someone else threatened, as another added: ‘I stopped watching Sunrise because of her and will happily switch back if she is on Today’.

One punter pointed out why installing Armytage ahead of her hosting debut on The Golden Bachelor would be short-sighted.

‘They would want to be careful about putting Sam in their show, as you never know. The Golden Bachelor might rate terribly, and it could be an embarrassment to put her on Today if the show isn’t good,’ they explained.

Some users have even argued that Stefanovic, 51, should be the one given the boot.

‘Once again, Nine have the wrong host in their sights. It’s Karl who needs to be replaced, not Sarah,’ one user declared.

Many users threatened to abandon the program altogether if Armytage takes the helm. (Pictured is Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo)

They continued: ’20 years without a win against Sunrise and he’s the only consistent. James Bracey and Sarah Abo should be the long-term future of the program.’

‘Have Sarah and Sam give Karl the boot!’ another chimed in.

However, there were some viewers who welcomed the idea of Armytage gracing the hosting desk at Today, with one commenting: ‘I for one would love to see Sam back on morning television. Her fun personality and versatile ability as a host makes her perfect for the format.’

‘Paired with Karl, both hosts have chemistry and the ability to handle serious news,’ they insisted.

‘I will switch to Nine if Sam comes back,’ someone else enthused.

he speculation follows a report in The Australian, which claimed that ‘prestige’ presenter Armytage and Stefanovic are being touted as the ‘dream team’ that could see Today topple Sunrise’s domination in the morning show ratings.

The casting shakeup is a ‘desperate bid to wrestle the TV breakfast crown from Seven’s rival Sunrise,’ the publication reported.

Nine is said to be banking on the so-called ‘Armytage effect’, which saw Sunrise score a ratings victory when Armytage joined the program in 2013.

Some users have even argued that Stefanovic should be the one given the boot

Armytage left Sunrise in 2021 and has gone on to helm Farmer Wants A Wife and the upcoming Golden Bachelor.

Nine CEO Matt Stanton did little to dispel the chatter regarding Abo’s future at Today, giving The Australian a coy response when asked if Armytage was stepping into the role alongside Stefanovic.

‘I don’t know. I’m not into that level to be honest, I haven’t seen that level of detail,’ Stanton told the publication this week.

Abo joined Today in 2023, replacing outgoing host Allison Langdon.

Langdon had announced her departure in 2022. She then entered the hosting role at A Current Affair, replacing long-time presenter Tracy Grimshaw.

Abo’s recent reported push for a pay rise is said to be part of the motivation behind the potential shake-up, The Australian claimed.

There were some viewers who welcomed the idea of Armytage gracing the hosting desk at Today, with one commenting: ‘I for one would love to see Sam back on morning television. Her fun personality and versatile ability as a host makes her perfect for the format’