Allison Langdon was rushed to hospital after injuring herself while filming the Today show on Thursday. The 41-year-old was filming on location in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, when she fell from the hydrofoil she was demonstrating.
Langdon will reportedly require knee surgery after the incident, and is set to take a “lengthy break” from hosting Today.
In a statement, Channel 9 said that Langdon had injured herself after she “fell awkwardly” from the hydrofoil.
“After nearly an hour of incident-free filming of a segment about hydrofoiling, Ally fell awkwardly as she headed back to the marina at the end of the shoot.”
“It was an unfortunate accident, and she was immediately taken to hospital.
“Both Karl and Ally had looked forward to the experience, and both had a wonderful time.
“They had a comprehensive safety induction and a thorough run-through of all aspects of hydrofoiling. As with every shoot, safety requirements, briefings and subsequent after-care, are strictly followed and prioritised.”
Allison Langdon being returned to shore. Channel 9.
Speaking on Friday morning about the incident, Today Show host Karl Stefanovic assured viewers that Langdon was OK.
“She had a bit of an accident yesterday, she’s doing fine,” he said. She hurt herself really badly. She’s in hospital this morning. She’s OK.”
Leila McKinnon, who has previously hosted Weekend Today, will be filling in for Allison Langdon while she recovers.
“So I got the call last night and I was in my pyjamas,” McKinnon said in an Instagram Story posted to the Today Show’s official account.
“Ally’s had a bit of a mishap so I quickly got changed and headed up the road.”
A hydrofoil board is a type of surfboard with a fin underneath the board that extends down into the water. The design means that the board leaves the surface of the water where a rider can surf on the board around a body of water.