Samantha Armytage announces exit from Seven Network after 21 years: ‘The time has come’

Popular TV host Samantha Armytage has made a surprise announcement about her next career move after 21 years with Seven.

Popular TV and media personality Samantha Armytage is set to leave the Seven Network after 21 years.

News broke on Sunday morning that the seasoned TV presenter will bid farewell to the television network in October when her contract expires.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the former Sunrise host was offered another contract, however she declined the offer.

“It’s a little sad and it’s bittersweet, but the time has come,” Armytage told the outlet.

“I leave with lots of goodwill in my heart and excitement about the future.

Samantha Armytage has announced she is quitting the Seven Network at the end of the year.

“I’m big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say, ‘I’ve done what I can do here,’ and I move on.

“This is not the end. It’s just the end of this chapter.”

Armytage said it was her decision to leave the network, saying she has the full support of her husband, Richard Lavender, and her departure is “about me wanting to feel fulfilled.”

“I had to sit with myself here and ask, ‘What does my next five to 10 years look like?” she told The Telegraph.

“I’m 47, so it was a bit of a stocktake. I’m still productive. I want to make good TV.”

The beloved presented has been the host of Farmer Wants A Wife for the past two years, taking up the post in early 2023 after moving over from her anchor role on Sunrise alongside David Koch, which she held for eight years.

Armytage has been with Seven for 21 years, eight of which she spent co-hosting Sunrise.

She replaced Natalie Gruzlewski as host on the dating show, but Gruzlewski remained on the program as a co-host.

In a statement released by Seven on Sunday morning, it was revealed Gruzlewski will continue to play matchmaker for the farmers and their suitors when the new season premieres in 2025.

“After 21 years, Samantha Armytage has decided to leave the Seven Network in October this year. We fully understand and support her decision,” read an accompanying statement from

Angus Ross, Group Managing Director of Seven Television.

Armytage has the full support of husband Richard Lavender.

“Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Wants A Wife.

“Her genuine affection for the country lifestyle she’s grown up with and enjoys to this day has shone through her three seasons with the TV WEEK Logie Award-nominated series. It’s been a pleasure watching Sam share her pride of these communities with Australia as our incredible farmer love stories have unfolded.

“We wish Sam – and her farmer – every happiness and success for the future.”

The move comes after several high-profile staff exits at Seven amid its restructure, with the likes of Brisbane newsreader Sharyn Ghidella announcing she was axed by the network after 17 years.