Samantha Armytage signs up to host Golden Bachelor on Channel 9

Just weeks after the shock announcement that she was leaving Channel 7, Samantha Armytage has signed on with rival Nine to host one of the world’s most successful shows.

Network Nine has signed Samantha Armytage as the host of one of their hottest new programs, snatching the TV personality from rival Seven.

Armytage, whose 21-year relationship with Seven recently ended, will be the host of The Golden Bachelor, which is slated to run next year.

It’s believed after months of negotiations, the deal — rumoured to worth a significant amount — has been done.

The Golden Bachelor, which first premiered in the US in September 2023, is a spin-off from the long running reality series The Bachelor and The Bachelorette — the key difference being that it stars senior citizens rather than 20-something singles in the cast.

The most recent finale reached 6.1 million viewers in the US alone – making it the most-watched episode in the American Bachelor franchise since 2021.

Samantha Armytage at the 64th TV Week Logie Awards in August. Picture: Getty

While Armytage wouldn’t comment on Saturday, insiders at Nine confirmed the news and it’s believed her contract with Seven ended just days ago.

“There was a bit of back and forth, but I believe the contract has been signed,” an insider said.

“This is a smart move for Sam and Nine. She is well suited to this gig and breathed new life into Farmer Wants a Wife.”

Another insider said the move was “one of the biggest shake-ups in TV in years”.

“Sam has been one of 7’s biggest stars,” they said. “She’s a tried and tested ratings performer … one of the most famous women in Australia.

“To defect from 7 to 9 is massive and I’d even go so far as to say a game-changer.

“What many people don’t realise about Sam is she’s one of the industry’s true team players. “She has huge success as the host of Sunrise. She took Farmer to the top of the ratings. And now, if you believe the chatter, she’s taking on the world’s number one new format.

“Nine will capitalise on having her in its roster.

“Who knows, she might pop up on Today.”

US man Gerry Turner, 71, was the first-ever Golden Bachelor. Picture: Supplied

Armytage has worked in the TV industry for 25 years and has been at the helm of a number of high profile, high rating shows, including Sunrise and Farmer Wants A Wife.

The 48-year-old took the reins of Farmer Wants A Wife from Natalie Gruzlewski and hosted it for three seasons.

During her time as host of the program, it saw an impressive rating increase of 17 per cent.

The Daily Telegraph revealed in August that Armytage was leaving the network after 21 years, saying at the time: “I leave with lots of goodwill in my heart and excitement about the future.

“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.”

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?’

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

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Originally published as Samantha Armytage signs up to host Golden Bachelor on Channel 9