Exclusive interview: Chris Bath reveals why she’s quitting Seven and her message to Sam Armytage

BATH Vader has spoken. Her decision to quit Channel Seven wasn’t about money and she wasn’t pushed. And she has a message for Sam Armytage.

BATH Vader has spoken. Chris Bath’s decision to quit Channel Seven wasn’t about money, wasn’t about a contract dispute, she wasn’t pushed, and happily tells Sam Armytage — the woman who gave her that nickname — “May the force be with you”.

In an exclusive interview following the shock news the Channel 7 star would quit the network, the 48-year-old Bath was happy to serve up more headlines about her exit.

A composed and comedic Bath was all smiles except when Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes interrupted this interview to offer a hug, and leave the door open for her return, telling her “I want you back you know. I want you back.”

Deflecting suggestion this was an acrimonious decision, Stokes said he preferred to think of Bath’s departure “as a sojourn”.

The 20-year veteran will leave at the end of July, with former Sunrise presenter Melissa Doyle stepping into her vacant positions as weekend newsreader and Sunday Night host.

Bath was adamant the decision to walk was hers alone, despite what she conceded had been “a tough year” of sustained behind-the-scenes tension.

“Mr Stokes’ words are a clear indication of the goodwill on both sides here,” Bath said.

“Unlike a lot of situations in television, I’m not being marched out of the building, I’m not being taken off air, I’m helping Seven with my exit, and they’re happy for me to do that.

“It’s my choice and it’s probably really boring, but this is a decision about me.”

A popular member of staff ... Chris Bath at the retirement of Channel 7 news reader Ian Ross. From left: Sara Groen, Alex Cullen, Samantha Armytage, Matt White, Naula Hafner and Chris Bath. Picture: Ross Shultz

Frank about her future, Bath will have a holiday, then look for another job.

“I’ve got kids and a mortgage and I live in Sydney,” she said.

Bath dismissed speculation that a pay dispute has played a part in her exit, with her salary speculated at anything from $400,000 to $800,000.

“It’s not about money. It’s never been about money,” she said

“The fact that I’m not going to some lucrative new gig, dispels that whole greed myth that is out there [but] women are entitled to stand up and say ‘I’ve got all this experience and expertise’ so I don’t begrudge women who ask for more.”

Throwback ... Bath as a reporter on the show ‘Witness’.

Hidden talents ... Bath competed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

On a rumoured ongoing feud with Sydney news boss Chris Willis, Bath said: “there is nothing wrong with robust debate. I don’t know of a newsroom without tension. But over the years I have worked with some of the greats. People like Ian Cook, and from time to time Ian Cook and I had some fairly full and frank discussions and I ended up reading a eulogy at his funeral.”

On the long-running behind-the-scenes battle with Armytage, (which began in 2012 and saw Bath and Doyle this year accused of leaking negative stories about Armytage) Bath said “I don’t want to go into that because, again, it’s not my style”.

Looking for a new job ... Chris Bath with Mike Munro, the co-hosts of Seven’s current affairs show 'Sunday Night.

Bath famously embraced the nasty nickname ‘Bath Vader’ by turning up to work carrying a lightsaber the day after the gossip surfaced.

“The nickname has been the gift that keeps on giving. I have so much Star Wars memorabilia now and I’ve always been a fan,” she said.

“All I will say on that front is: ‘May the force be with Sam’. And I say it with a smile on my face.”

Bath is saddened to leave Seven, but “my gut says it’s right”.

“I’m not saying this is it. I’m not dying. I’m just changing direction,” she said.

“As Yoda says: ‘only once you live’. I’m with Yoda”.

Baby-faced ... Bath has enjoyed a glittering 20 years in journalism.