New blow for Samantha Armytage after reports Nine held staff ‘crisis meetings’ over her Today show Summer stint
Samantha Armytage has suffered another blow just days after it became public. Channel Nine held back-to-back ‘crisis meetings’ with staff after she defected to the network.
The 48-year-old TV presenter revealed on Instagram on Tuesday that she is the victim of a scammer who pretends to be her on social media.
Samantha shared a screenshot of a makeshift Instagram account with 782 followers, while her verified account has 257,000 Instagram followers.
‘False bill. Report, block and unfollow if they contact you,” she warned fans.
This is not the first time the popular TV star has criticized scammers who use her name and image to dupe users online.
In 2020, the former Sunrise presenter raged that several companies had stolen her image to promote products on Facebook, and urged fans not to part with their money.
Samantha Armytage has been dealt a devastating blow just days after it was revealed Channel Nine was holding back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring her to the Today show as co-host for the summer.
The 48-year-old TV presenter revealed on Instagram on Tuesday that she is the victim of a scammer who pretends to be her on social media
‘For God’s sake, don’t give these people your money. They are scammers! “I’m not spreading ‘keto pills’ on Facebook, whatever they are,” she emphasized at the time.
Samantha first informed fans of the situation by sharing a screenshot of one of the ads, which used a photo of her to promote a weight loss product.
It was shared by company ‘Fluffy And Bright Smiles’ – with a link to an external website.
“There are a lot of fake ads with my name and photo on Facebook tonight,” Samantha wrote.
A second ad – shared by a company titled ‘Your Everyday Charms’ – even used a fake quote from Samantha to promote their weight loss ‘keto pills’.
“I melted away in my twenties[kg] with this. I love it and so do my fans,” the fake quote read, with Samantha insisting: “Don’t give these people your money.”
After a third fake advert also used a fake quote next to her image, Samantha urged Facebook to ‘get to the bottom of this cr*p’ by tagging the social giants in her post.
The network’s move has sparked outrage among its longtime staff, with insiders claiming the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling rejected.
‘Fake ads’: The Sunrise host raged on Saturday that several companies have stolen her image and urged fans not to fall for the ads as they shared screenshots of them on Instagram
‘For God’s sake, don’t give these people your money. They are scammers! I’m not spreading ‘keto pills’ on Facebook, whatever they are,” Samantha insisted as she shared more ads
Sam, 48, will join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half over the holidays, replacing Sarah Abo.
While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, there is much speculation that it could be a trial run to see if Sam 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.
“The big bosses didn’t listen to the team when they objected to Sam’s arrival.”
Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail 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.”
It comes amid reports that Nine is embroiled in back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha to the Today show as co-host for the summer. Pictured last month
The network’s move has sparked outrage among its longtime staff, with insiders claiming the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling rejected. (Photo: Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo)
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.
“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, 39, was reportedly upset earlier this year when she heard Sam 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.