Sarah Abo was forced to pull out of Channel Nine's televised coverage of Carols by Candlelight at the last minute due to a life or death emergency.
The Today show star, 39, was scheduled to co-host the event with David Campbell in Melbourne, but was rushed to hospital with acute appendicitis at the eleventh hour.
'Breaking news tonight from the Bowl,' Campbell explained to a packed house at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl during Tuesday's telecast.
'My beautiful co-host Sarah Abo has been struck down by appendicitis.
'She's had an appendectomy and she's under doctor's orders to take it easy,' he continued, before joking, 'Apparently hosting a three-hour national TV show is not taking it easy.'
Campbell went on to praise the TV veteran, before prioritising her health.
Sarah Abo was forced to pull out of Channel Nine's televised coverage of Carols by Candlelight at the last minute due to a life or death emergency. Pictured
The Today show star, 39, was scheduled to co-host the event with David Campbell in Melbourne , but was rushed to hospital with acute appendicitis at the eleventh hour. Both pictured
'I just want to say, Sarah, get better. I miss you pal, right here,' he continued.
Campbell then urged the 10,000 people at Carols to send Abo some festive cheer by wishing her a Merry Christmas.
'We miss you, buddy. We miss you a lot,' he said following the chorus of well wishes.
Shortly after Campbell's kind words, Abo took to Instagram to share a health update following her life-saving surgery.
'Hello from hospital. Which is not where I'd thought I'd be tonight, but my appendix had other ideas,' Abo began.
'Unfortunately, surgery has kept me from being at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl sharing this magical evening with you all...
'Thankfully all is good and I've been very well cared for by an incredible team of doctors and nurses.
'Wishing you all a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year's Eve. Much love xxx,' Abo concluded.
'Breaking news tonight from the Bowl,' Campbell explained to a packed house at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl during Tuesday's telecast. 'My beautiful co-host Sarah Abo has been struck down by appendicitis.'
Shortly after Campbell's kind words, Abo took to Instagram to share a health update
Abo went on to thank the crowd at Carols for her shout out
It's not the first time Abo has faced a health challenge this year.
In November, the TV veteran revealed she was diagnosed with coeliac disease during a segment on the Today show.
The TV presenter was discussing ways to prepare delicious gluten-free meals with her co-host Karl Stefanovic, 50, and a celebrity nutritionist when she made the revelation.
'I was recently diagnosed as a coeliac. This is devastating, because I love pasta, pizza and all bread,' Sarah explained.
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten - a protein found in bread and wheat products - damages the small intestine.
While it is not life-threatening in itself, sufferers must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to minimise the risks of contracting certain types of cancer, including lymphoma or small bowel cancer.
Sarah told celebrity nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan she was heartbroken she could no longer eat her favourite foods.
The expert reassured Sarah there were lots of delicious gluten-free options available to her.
This includes fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy and various types of grains, all of which Sarah is still able to safely consume.
'When I go to restaurants, I have to ask if they have gluten-free options. I can even make my own flourless chocolate cake,' Sarah told Karl.
Dr McMillan told Sarah she will still be able to enjoy a tasty and varied diet, provided she does her research in advance.
It's not the first time Abo has faced a health challenge this year. In November, the TV veteran revealed she was diagnosed with coeliac disease during a segment on the Today show. Pictured alongside Karl Stefanovic and Dr Joanna McMillan