Viewers call for guest hosts Samantha Armytage and Dan Anstey to permanently replace Today show stars Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo
Viewers have called for Today show guest hosts Samantha Armytage and Dan Anstey to permanently replace veteran presenters Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.
The pair are replacing Karl and Sarah on the hit Channel Nine breakfast show as the regular presenters enjoy their holidays – and viewers have called for their positions to be made permanent.
Fans praised Sam and Dan’s cheerful and engaging style on social media, claiming the show would be better if they became regular presenters.
“Sam is great. Watching Today again after a long break,” one fan wrote.
‘Then yes! Karel no! Sorry Karl,” a second person added.
‘The girls are fantastic! Today it’s that time again!’ a third user intervened.
Fans have called for Today show guest hosts Samantha Armytage (right) and Dan Anstey (left) to permanently replace hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo
It was no surprise that Samantha was a natural as she is a veteran of the breakfast show and previously co-hosted Channel Seven’s Sunrise alongside David ‘Kochie’ Koch for eight years, from 2013 to 2021.
On Monday, Sam made her first appearance on Channel Nine’s Today Show after quitting Seven.
The veteran presenter, 48, kicked off the show by sharing a flirty exchange with her co-host Dan.
After introducing herself to viewers, Sam – who recently announced her split from husband Richard Lavender – told Dan she first met him at the Melbourne Cup.
‘I don’t remember that. How was I?’ he asked.
“You were handsome as always,” a giggling Sam replied, before Dan said: “That was someone else.” You confused me with another Dan.”
‘Yes, I actually have. We’ll get to that later, but it’s nice to see you all here,” Sam responded quickly before introducing the headlines.
Channel Nine was reportedly embroiled in back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Sam to the Today show as co-host for the summer.
The pair are replacing Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on the hit Channel Nine breakfast show as the regular presenters enjoy their holidays – and viewers have called for their positions to be made permanent. Both shown
Viewers have taken to social media to praise Sam and Dan’s cheerful and engaging style – and claim the show would be better if they became regular presenters
The network’s move has also sparked outrage among longtime staff, with insiders claiming the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling rejected.
While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if Samantha is suitable to join Today on a permanent basis.
The consequences of the decision have been significant.
‘There have been successive crisis meetings since Sam was signed’ a source told Woman’s Day earlier this month.
“The big bosses didn’t listen to the team when they objected to Sam’s arrival.”
Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Ny Breaking Australia that Nine has strategic reasoning behind Sam’s appointment.
“Let’s not pretend this isn’t about ratings,” they said.
“If Sam succeeds in bringing Today out of Sunrise’s shadow, even for a week, the network will see that as a victory. For Sam, it’s about proving she’s still the queen of breakfast TV.”
A major source of resentment at its new network is the perception that Nine’s existing talent is being overlooked.
Many insiders were reportedly blindsided by Sam’s signing, especially after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor despite others at the network vying for the role.