Samantha Armytage confirms brief romance with Michael Usher after son's on-air questioning

Samantha Armytage publicly confirmed a past romantic involvement with veteran journalist Michael Usher, after being questioned about their relationship by Usher's son during a live radio interview on Tuesday.

Armytage, 50, and Usher, 56, were the subject of romance rumors in 2015 and again in 2017, reportedly after going on several dates. While the pair never publicly confirmed their relationship at the time, Armytage addressed the rumors during an appearance on Kyle Sandilands Live.

Usher's son, Matt, who is currently interning on the show, directly asked Armytage about the past rumors. "There used to be some stuff in the press about Dad and you... that you and him had relations?" Matt inquired. Armytage, caught off guard, responded with laughter before confirming, "We went out on a few dates!"

When a producer joked that Matt was searching for a "mother figure," Armytage quickly shut down the suggestion, noting, "He's got a mother! I know her, she used to work at Channel Nine," referring to Usher's ex-wife.

Romance speculation between Armytage and Usher first emerged in 2015, reportedly facilitated by TV presenter Natalie Barr. The pair were said to have reconnected two years later, with reports suggesting they spent time together at Armytage's property away from the public eye. However, the relationship reportedly concluded by mid-2017.

Armytage later expressed frustration with persistent speculation about her private life. In a past Instagram post, she argued that as a senior female journalist, she should be asked "intelligent questions" rather than address dating rumors. She further dismissed such reports as "nasty, tabloid bulls**t" in subsequent public appearances.

Armytage married equestrian businessman Richard Lavender in 2020. The couple separated in 2024.