David Campbell opened Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight 2024 with an announcement on Tuesday, after viewers noticed his co-host Sarah Abo was missing.
The Today Extra host confirmed Abo, 39, had been taken to hospital days prior to the live show suffering appendicitis.
Watch Carols by Candelight on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Abo is recovering well after an appendectomy, but was unable to host the live show while recovering in hospital.
“Good evening everybody! Welcome to the 87th year of everyone’s favourite Christmas tradition,” he said.
“Breaking news tonight. I am indeed by myself here, for the first time ever.
David Campbell announced that he was hosting alone on Tuesday evening. (Nine)
“If you haven’t heard, my beautiful co-host has been struck down by appendicitis.”
Campbell confirmed his co-host had undergone an appendectomy in the last couple of days, but was under doctors’ orders to “take it easy”.
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“Sarah, get better. I miss you pal,” he said to the crowd.
“Maybe tonight we could say, ‘Merry Christmas Sarah’.”
After the crowd shouted her name, he smiled and continued with the show watched by Australia every year.
Sarah Abo shared a statement online after her diagnosis. (Nine)
Shortly after, Abo shared a statement on her Instagram.
“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!
“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.”
This year’s stellar lineup includes the dynamic and award-winning vocals of Anthony Callea, alongside the cast of Sister Act starring Casey Donovan and Dami Im.
READ MORE: What to watch this Christmas: All the festive films you can stream on Stan for the whole family to enjoy
David Campbell and Sarah Abo were supposed to host the show together. (Nine)
Returning favourites Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, David Hobson, and Denis Walter are set to deliver the heartfelt performances audiences have come to love.
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David Campbell expressed his excitement about once again hosting the cherished event.
“Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is something I look forward to every year. It’s truly one of the highlights of the festive season,” he said.
Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales going directly towards supporting close to 2000 families with children who are blind or have low vision.
More to come.
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI airs this Christmas Eve at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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