Sam Armytage’s first appearance on Today kicks off with flirty exchange between her co-host following split from Richard Lavender – as Aussies call for her to be removed from the show

Samantha Armytage made her first appearance on Channel Nine’s Today Show on Monday after defecting to the network from Seven.

And the veteran presenter, 48, kicked off the show by sharing a flirty exchange with her co-host Dan Anstey.

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.

Following her appearance on the show, unimpressed fans flocked to social media to call for Sam’s removal as presenter for the summer.

“@TheTodayShow please switch to channel 7. Please post when Armytage continues and we will be back,” someone wrote on X.

‘Why is Sam Armytage on Ch9’s Brekky show? And why can’t the media speak to literally anyone except a few. Will Kochie also get a new job?’ said another.

‘Sam Armytage on NOPE!’ a third agreed.

“I moved from 7 to 9 because of Sam Armytage, so what are you going to do? Let us know when she’s further along and I’ll take another look,” said another.

Despite some backlash from viewers, others expressed their excitement at seeing Sam presenting the breakfast programme.

“It’s great to see Sam Armytage back on TV as she co-hosts the summer series #9Today,” one person wrote.

“@sam_armytage looking gorgeous today, can she stay permanently,” another agreed, while one added: “Loved it.”

Channel Nine was reportedly embroiled in back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha to the Today show as co-host for the summer.

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 Samantha’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 consider that 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 Samantha’s signing, especially after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role.

“There’s no blow more than putting your hand up to host The Golden Bachelor and being virtually told you got the job, only to read in the papers that Sam is their surprise choice,” the insider claimed.

The tension reportedly extends to Today’s regular hosts.

Sarah Abo, 39, was reportedly upset earlier this year when she learned Samantha was being considered as her temporary replacement during a furlough period.

That plan was shelved after Sarah pulled out, with Nine opting for Sylvia Jeffreys as a ‘safer option’.

This time, however, Sarah appears to have accepted the decision, although insiders claim it hasn’t been easy.

“If Sam wants it so bad, she can have it,” said a colleague, adding that Sarah is resigned to the fact that Sam has excellent opportunities at the network.

Channel Nine and Samantha Armytage have been contacted for comment.

Samantha’s move to the network comes after she shocked fans when she and husband Richard split just weeks before their fourth anniversary.

Their divorce was intended to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper, but sources confirmed the news to Ny Breaking Australia in advance.

‘Yes, Richard and I have broken up. All separations are difficult, but it is somewhat mitigated by the fact that it is amicable and we wish the best for each other,” Armytage then told the media.

‘I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I will make no further comment.”

Although the news has just become public, it is believed that the Armytage TV presenter’s friends have been comforting the star behind the scenes for some time now.

Samantha is no longer followed on Instagram by Richard’s two daughters, Sascha and Grace, although the former couple still follow each other.

She started dating Richard in April 2019, and they announced their engagement in June 2020, before tying the knot six months later at his property in rural NSW.