Former Sunrise host makes bold TV comeback after personal life changes—‘Isn’t it lovely?’

In a surprising turn of events, a popular television personality has made a bold career move following a personal life change.

The move has caught the attention of fans and industry insiders alike as the television figure transitions to a new role that promises to shake up the morning show landscape.

With the dust settling on recent developments, many are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for the star.


In a twist that has taken the Australian television industry by surprise, Samantha Armytage, the beloved former Sunrise host, has made a significant career move following her recent split from husband Richard Lavender.

After stepping away from the morning TV spotlight in 2021 to embrace a quieter life in the country, Armytage has now made a bold return to the breakfast television scene, but not with her old network.

Instead, she's joined the ranks of Nine, marking a new chapter in her professional journey.


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Samantha Armytage has returned to breakfast TV, joining the Today show on Nine after leaving Sunrise on Seven. Credit: TODAY / Facebook


Armytage's debut on the Today show was nothing short of a sensation, as she co-hosted alongside weather presenter Dan Anstey.

The pair stepped in for Weekend Today hosts David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys, who were themselves filling in for regulars Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.

It was a moment of nostalgia and novelty as Armytage, who had become a household name co-hosting Seven’s rival breakfast show Sunrise with David Koch from 2013 to 2021, acknowledged her network switch with a touch of humour and grace.


‘I’ve remembered where I am, on Channel Nine. Isn’t it lovely to be on channel Nine?’ she quipped, setting a light-hearted tone for her new beginning.

The camaraderie between Armytage and Anstey was evident. ‘Well, we met at Melbourne Cup, didn’t we? You were handsome as always,’ Armytage told her co-host.

This career pivot comes at a time when Armytage's personal life has been under the microscope due to her separation from Lavender.

The couple's nearly four-year marriage came to an end with Armytage moving out of Lavender’s Berrima homestead in the NSW Southern Highlands.

‘Yes, Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but it’s somewhat lessened by the fact it’s amicable, and we wish the best for each other,’ she confirmed in a statement.

‘I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won’t be making any further comment.’


Armytage's decision to leave Sunrise in 2021 was driven by a desire to step back from the public eye and savour life's quieter moments with her family and then-husband.

‘I want to step out of this public world for a while, take some time and calm things down, enjoy a bit of slow living and spend some time with my precious family and husband,’ she said at the time.

The former Sunrise host spoke of the ‘relief’ she felt upon leaving the demanding schedule of morning television.

‘I love the fact that people will still lean over the trolleys in Woolies and grab me on the arm and say, “I really miss you, and I’m so happy you’re happy,”’ Armytage shared.

Now, as she re-enters the world of morning TV, Armytage is also set to host the new dating show The Golden Bachelor, slated to premiere in 2025.

This move signifies not just a return to television but a diversification of her on-screen roles, showcasing her versatility and appeal as a presenter.


While Sam Armytage's recent career move has captured the spotlight, her personal journey has also been marked by profound moments of heartbreak.

Earlier this year, she bravely opened up about the deep pain she experienced following a family tragedy, revealing the emotional toll it has taken.

This candid reflection sheds light on the strength and resilience behind her public persona, reminding us that even those in the limelight face their own battles.

Key Takeaways
  • Samantha Armytage has returned to breakfast television, joining the Today show on the Nine network after leaving Sunrise on Seven.
  • Armytage addressed the change on-air, reminiscing about previous encounters with her new co-host, Dan Anstey.
  • She has also recently become the host of Nine's new dating show, The Golden Bachelor, set to premiere in 2025.
  • Armytage has separated from her husband, Richard Lavender, with the breakup described as amicable; she has requested privacy on the matter and stated she will not comment further.
Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we've seen many public figures go through transformations, both in their careers and personal lives.

Sam Armytage's recent changes remind us that it's never too late to embark on a new path or to rediscover a passion.

What are your thoughts on Sam's return to morning TV? Have you ever made a significant career change later in life? Share your stories and insights in the comments below—we love hearing from you!
 

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What and how much does it take to produce an decent soapie or actually funny comedy show?
I reckon a lot less that it takes to produce unadulterated shows like Farmer wants a shag (wife) and now on NINE Bachelor needs one also.
I always reckoned my brother-in-law is a no brain dick head, his absolute favourite tv show was Big Brother, I arrest my case.
Is it a case of the tv channels can't compete with the like of Netflix, Stan and other subscription channels?
Channel 7 for example has about five channels, sometimes three or four are showing the same program (sport or otherwise) WHY? It is not possible to watch more than one channel at a time, I have the latest Samsung tv and it does not have a multi picture capability.
That's my vent for today and I am not over it yet, coffee then GP then we'll see.
You all have a great day, if you can't then have a bad day, What other choice is there??
 
What and how much does it take to produce an decent soapie or actually funny comedy show?
I reckon a lot less that it takes to produce unadulterated shows like Farmer wants a shag (wife) and now on NINE Bachelor needs one also.
I always reckoned my brother-in-law is a no brain dick head, his absolute favourite tv show was Big Brother, I arrest my case.
Is it a case of the tv channels can't compete with the like of Netflix, Stan and other subscription channels?
Channel 7 for example has about five channels, sometimes three or four are showing the same program (sport or otherwise) WHY? It is not possible to watch more than one channel at a time, I have the latest Samsung tv and it does not have a multi picture capability.
That's my vent for today and I am not over it yet, coffee then GP then we'll see.
You all have a great day, if you can't then have a bad day, What other choice is there??
Can't stand the women, she is so fake and the only true fan she has is herself
 
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1000% better than that fake self opinionated Natalie Barr.

Hence I haven't watched Sunrise for over five years.
I like “daddylonglegs” as I call him David Woiwod whose taken over from Matt Doran on weekends with Monique Wright it’s the only time I watch these type of shows as at least those two are funny Nat Barr is not funny at all.🎅
 
I like “daddylonglegs” as I call him David Woiwod whose taken over from Matt Doran on weekends with Monique Wright it’s the only time I watch these type of shows as at least those two are funny Nat Barr is not funny at all.🎅
I always thought it should have been Monique who hosted the week day sunrise.
She us so authentic, funny and honest. I love how she doesn't have a filter
 
SHIT!!! then she goes back to channel 7, aaaaaarrrrrrgggggh(cough)hhh.
No she’s been signed up to nine now so you can breathe a sigh of relief 😅 she’s going to do that ridiculous “ the golden Batchelor” show where a guy gives out a golden rose to a woman.🤢
 
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