Samantha Armytage is back at the co-hosting desk of the Today show, sporting a leg brace after fracturing her ankle over the weekend. The 49-year-old presenter returned to her hosting duties on Wednesday morning, two days after revealing the injury to her Instagram followers.
Armytage fractured her ankle in "a couple of places" while performing the mundane task of taking out the rubbish. She explained in a video posted to social media that she missed the bottom step and twisted her ankle, tearing ligaments away from the bone and a piece of the bone itself. Despite the painful setback, Armytage maintained a positive outlook, expressing her intention to return to the airwaves promptly.
"I know what you're thinking, why is she lying there with her ankle raised above her heart? Well, say hello to my little friend," Armytage said in a video while pointing the camera at her injured foot. She also shared a humorous caption alongside a photo with Olympic breakdancer Raygun, stating, "She breaks the dance and the internet... I break the ankle!"
Armytage's return to the Today show comes amid reports that she and co-host Tom Steinfort may be on track for permanent appointments. Their recent stint hosting the breakfast program reportedly led to a significant boost in ratings, with an increase of 60,000 viewers. According to The Australian, this ten percent ratings jump has Channel Nine executives considering the pair for long-term hosting roles. Nine has been trialing hosts for the program since Karl Stefanovic's departure in June, and Sarah Abo's maternity leave last month.
Armytage appeared on the show alongside Tom Steinfort, engaging in interviews and fulfilling her co-hosting responsibilities despite her injury. She was seen wearing a grey leg brace to support her recovery.