Samantha Armytage, 50, has been advised against leaving her hosting role on "The Golden Bachelor," as rumors persist about a potential return to breakfast television. The former "Sunrise" host is reportedly at the center of discussions regarding the future of Channel Nine's "Today" show.
Industry insiders suggest that if Armytage vacates her position on "The Golden Bachelor," high-profile personalities like Edwina Bartholomew and Sonia Kruger would be considered frontrunners to take over the dating franchise. "Both would seriously look at it if the opportunity came up," a TV source stated, adding that "there would be a very long queue of women wanting that job."
Meanwhile, "The Golden Bachelor" is undergoing significant changes for its second season. Sources indicate that the show has been revamped into a more dramatic and competitive reality series, a departure from its first season. An insider noted that the new female cast is "much more dynamic and competitive," with "drama you'd normally expect to see on Married At First Sight."
Producers are reportedly shifting focus from romance alone to conflict and "water-cooler moments," aiming to create a ratings success. Armytage has reportedly described the revamped format as feeling like "a completely different show," describing it as "bigger, bolder and far more confident."
Network executives are also considering a more prominent timeslot for the series as they aim to establish it as a major reality television hit. This strategic move complicates Armytage's potential return to "Today," a show where she spent over eight years alongside David Koch. Sources close to Armytage suggest she would find it difficult to decline a strong offer from "Today."
However, friends have reportedly urged her not to underestimate the value of hosting a successful entertainment franchise. "Everyone wants a hit format attached to their name right now," a source commented. "If The Golden Bachelor suddenly becomes one of Nine's biggest entertainment brands, why would Sam rush to give that up?"
The show's more dramatic direction could also strengthen Armytage's position in discussions about the "Today" show lineup. If "The Golden Bachelor" garners significant public attention, Armytage would be seen not just as a former "Sunrise" host but as the presenter of a popular Nine program, granting her considerable leverage.
While some question whether the series' edgier tone might conflict with a breakfast television persona, insiders believe network executives will not see an issue. Armytage's career has spanned news, current affairs, and entertainment, and her ability to manage unpredictable situations is considered a valuable asset. "Sam can be wrangling outrageous reality stars one night and interviewing a Prime Minister the next morning," a source said. "Very few presenters can genuinely do both."
Those close to Armytage are reportedly advising her to observe the success of "The Golden Bachelor's" new season before making any career decisions. The message is clear: "Don't walk away too quickly. There are a lot of people who'd love to have what she's got."
In a twist that may benefit Nine executives, a successful second season of "The Golden Bachelor" might not hinder, but rather facilitate, Armytage's potential return to "Today."