Today viewers weigh in on Samantha Armytage’s future at Channel Nine following shock Seven departure

Viewers have spoken out about Samantha Armytage’s return to breakfast TV this week.

The 48-year-old former Sunrise star made her debut on Nine’s Today on Monday to mixed reactions.

But some fans have defended her, saying the former Seven star could help renew interest in the Channel Nine show, which regularly trails Sunrise in the ratings.

“Put Sam on Weekend Today,” wrote one online critic.

“God knows, that show needs help. She was at her best on Weekend Sunrise. Two days a week is the right amount Sam,” they continued.

Still, another viewer seemed skeptical about a permanent return to Brekkie TV for Sam.

“This is purely an initiative by Nine’s head of TV to get Sam to fill in, he’s clearly a fan and wants more wherever possible,” they wrote.

“But I don’t think this means they want to blow up the current duo, which is working well despite being number two (in the ratings), nor that Sam is interested.”

Sam made headlines when it was announced she would be co-hosting Bachelor spin-off The Golden Bachelor with Nine in October.

But her stint as co-host on Monday’s Today as a summer fill-in alongside Dan Anstey has led to much speculation that the network has bigger plans for the media veteran.

“I have a feeling Sam is definitely in line for something else but maybe she will be the next Sonia Kruger for Nine hosting new prime time shows all year round until something sticks,” another viewer added to the Media Daily thread.

They continued, “I can still see her showing up today next year, and if they were smart they could give Sam her own morning show and cut today extra short and put her show in an hour to shake things up.”

It comes after Sam received flak online following her appearance on Today, with unimpressed fans flocking to social media to call for her to be removed 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.

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 is getting excellent opportunities at the network.

Channel Nine and Samantha Armytage have been contacted for comment.

Sam’s move to the network comes after she recently shocked fans when she and husband Richard Lavender 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.