Farmer Wants A Wife shake-up as Sam Armytage announced as host

In a massive shake-up for Channel 7’s Farmer Wants A Wife, Sam Armytage has abruptly replaced the show’s long-term host.

Lexie Cartwright

@LexieCartwright

less than 2 min read

February 27, 2023 - 11:36AM

Former Sunrise anchor Samantha Armytage is back on hosting duties.

The 46-year-old presenter, who quit the Channel 7 breakfast program after eight years in 2021, has been announced as the new host of 2023’s Farmer Wants A Wife.

Armytage is replacing long-serving host Natalie Gruzlewski, who has helmed the series on-and-off ever since its debut in 2007.

Gruzlewski, 45, will remain on the show as a co-host, which is a step down from her usual role.

Sam Armytage is taking over main hosting duties on Farmer Wants A Wife.

Gruzlewski’s new role as a co-host is essentially the one that Armytage filled when she first joined the dating series last year. Armytage mainly mingled with contestants in a casual setting, while Gruzlewski officially fronted the show.

Seven didn’t address the big shake-up in a press release issued today. Instead, it casually referred to Armytage as “host” and Gruzlewski as “co-host” in the last line of the statement.

News.com.au has contacted Seven for further comment.

Natalie Gruzlewski has hosted Farmer Wants A Wife on-and-off since 2007.

Speaking to TV Tonight about the change, Seven’s director of scheduling Brook Hall said: “They’re both in the show still. [Previously] Nat was front and centre and Sam was advising on dates. But if I’m being honest, they’ve kind of slightly flipped.

“Nat has ‘Nat’s Getaway’ [a segment on Farmer] so she’ll be co-host, she’ll be opening the start. It’s more blended, with one front and one appearing. But yes, Samantha Armytage is taking more centre stage.”