Sunrise farewells Sam Armytage for final day on breakfast TV show

Hinting at the personal toll being in the public eye has had on her, Sunrise co-host Sam Armytage delivered a final message as she farewelled fans and colleagues today.

It is the end of an era at brekky central with Sam Armytage hosting Sunrise for the final time today.

The 44-year-old announced her departure from the program on Tuesday after hosting the ratings behemoth alongside David Koch for eight-years.

Koch opened the program by telling viewers it promised to be a “memorable day” and later told Armytage there were plenty of surprises in store for her last few hours.

They included a message from London via Facetime from her sister Georgie and niece Lucia which left Armytage reaching for the tissues.

Sam Artmytage tears up on last day of Sunrise during chat with her niece Lucia Cavaliere

“Sam has been amazing, she was such an amazing big sister when I was little, and so she used to read to me and was like my second mother, and she sort of continued to be that second mother,” sister Georgie said. “She is the life of the party, she has an enormous heart, and we can’t wait to see her properly.”

Armytage farewells Sunrise after eight years. Picture: John Grainger

Sam Armytage with husband Richard Lavender during her farewell. Picture: John Grainger

The Sunrise couch was crowded with wellwishers, including her dog Banjo and new husband Richard Lavender, who shared how the couple met.

“One of Sam’s old school friends was staying with me and I was cooking breakfast,” Mr Lavender said. “She asked if she could give me a hand and I said she could get me Sam’s phone number. And here we are.”

Husband Richard Lavender joins wife Sam Armytage on the breakfast couch. Picture: John Grainger

In her last moments on-air, Armytage fought back tears as she mentioned the “bullies” in the media.

“I do want to say that I never fully understood some of the scrutiny and the snarky comments and bullying from some aspect of the media.,” she said.

“But today we move on from that because there is a new chapter starting and it has been overwhelmingly a good experience in my life,” she said.

“I thank all of you and most of all I thank all of our viewers who are just wonderful people.”

Banjo makes his way in for cake time. Picture: John Grainger

Sam Mac gives his colleague a hug on their final show. Picture: John Grainger

EMOTIONAL FAREWELL

Supporters gathered in Martin Place to bid Armytage farewell after eight years at the helm.

Sam superfan Antonio Sneddon, 30, from Waterloo, was on the scene before dawn to watch Armytage’s final broadcast with flowers and a sign reading “Goodbye Samantha”.

“I’ve been watching Sam since day one of her time on Sunrise, she just makes the program interesting to watch, she enlightens your morning and makes everyone laugh,” Mr Sneddon said. “It won’t be the same without her. It’s like losing a family member when she’s been on my TV for so long.”

Sam Armytage on set during her last shift on Sunrise. Picture: John Grainger

A serious Sam Armytage fan at brekky central today. Picture: John Grainger

Tasmanian viewers Dean and Trish Stephens brought their kids Bobby, five, and Malia, two, to bid Armytage farewell through the glass while on holiday in Sydney.

Mr Stephens, 48, from Launceston, said breakfast TV “wouldn’t be the same”.

“It’s our morning ritual to watch Sunrise … it’s the end of an era.”

As Armytage fought back tears, popped champagne and received a shower of balloons and a cake from her colleagues, Beth Arblaster waited outside with a bottle of wine to give her.

As a security guard came to collect the gift, Ms Arblaster from Penrith said she “wished the co-host well”.

Sam Armytage snaps a selfie with Tom Cruise after meeting him on the show. Picture: @sam_armytage

“I understand why she’s going, I was so happy for her when she got engaged … it’s time for her to move on,” Ms Arblaster said.

Mr Sneddon said while he was loath to bid Armytage farewell, he had a replacement in mind.

“Nat (Barr) would be a good replacement, she brings the same vibe and enjoyment when Sam has been away,” he said.

Sunrise posted a montage of Armytage highlights to social media in the lead up to the show showing her hugging fans and holding babies.

Sam Armytage as a young reporter for Seven News.

Armytage with husband Richard Lavender. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Entertainment reporter Nelson Aspen paid tribute to his colleague of more than 15 years.

“It’s been a privilege, joy, I am looking forward to the next chapter for you. I look forward to meeting your handsome husband when you’re in New York.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also delivered a send-off message, thanking the co-host for her journalism over the years: “I wish you all the best in the next stage of your life.”

Not all the accolades were as kind. With Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac’s cringe-worthy song raising a few eyebrows.

"You know we'd love to keep you here, but when it's time it's time, and you better not show up on Channel Nine"

Here's @SamMac's hilarious farewell song for @Sam_Armytage pic.twitter.com/w30uysveGV

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) March 10, 2021

WHO WILL REPLACE ARMYTAGE?

Armytage’s departure sent shockwaves through the TV industry with many wondering who will replace the Channel 7 star.

Rival morning show host Sarah Harris from Studio 10 is one name being circulated to replace Armytage.

Harris, 39, joined the struggling Channel 10 show as a co-host in 2013 and last year, the show’s panel of seven was slashed down to two to rival Channel’s 7 and 9.

Harris now co-hosts alongside Dancing With The Stars judge Tristan MacManus, however the show has consistently struggled to compete with Channel 9’s Today show and Seven’s Sunrise, which remains number one.

Her former Studio 10 co-host Joe Hildebrand backed Harris for the top gig on Wednesday.

Armytage’s Sunrise co-star, Natalie Barr, who is the show’s news presenter, is another favourite to replace the TV presenter.

Armytage has interview some big names during her time on the show … with Ed Sheeran.

She has also appeared in character many times …

WHAT’S NEXT FOR SAM?

A Channel 7 spokeswoman told The Daily Telegraph the host would still be employed by the network with new projects to be announced at a later date.

Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, said: “We will be sad to see her leave Sunrise, but completely understand and support her decision to step back for a while and focus on her family.

“We wish Sam nothing but the very best for her break and look forward to announcing some exciting new projects for her in late 2021 and into 2022.”

Good morning, Australia! We're LIVE with a special edition of Sunrise to farewell @Sam_Armytage. Tune in for some special guests and a lot of surprises 😉 pic.twitter.com/uzLNS0XOTM

— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) March 10, 2021

Matt Damon and Alicia Vikander on Channel 7's Sunrise this morning with Kochie and Sam.

It comes after Armytage announced a new podcast with Stellar which detailed the dangers of TV.

“I don’t think any of us want to do the same thing forever,” she said on Something To Talk About.

“There’s a lot about television that’s all about you and that’s an awful way to live your life.

“TV isn’t a place that’s necessarily very healthy. It’s full of sociopaths and narcissists – it can be a dangerous environment, let me tell you.”

Armytage replaced much-loved former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle in 2013.