Channel 7 personality Sam Armytage to quit after 21 years with the network
TV personality and seasoned host Samantha Armytage will bid farewell to Channel 7 after more than two decades with the network.
The unexpected news broke on Sunday morning, when it was revealed Armytage will not renew her contract with the network when it expires in October.
The former Sunrise host was offered another contract but declined.
“It’s a little sad and it’s bittersweet, but the time has come,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.
“I leave with lots of goodwill in my heart and excitement about the future.”
Camera IconArmytage hosted Sunrise alongside David Koch for eight years. NewsWire / Christian Gilles Credit: News Corp Australia
The 47-year-old explained she is “big on” listening to her instinct, which guided her to make the unexpected decision.
“I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say, ‘I’ve done what I can do here’ and I move on,” she said.
“This is not the end. It’s just the end of this chapter.”
Armytage has hosted popular TV show Farmer Wants a Wife for two years, beginning the role in 2023 after leaving Sunrise.
The media personality hosted the morning breakfast show for eight years alongside David Koch.
Armytage said while she prepares to leave the network with the full support of her husband Richard Lavender, she came to the decision on her own.
Camera IconArmytage will leave the network in October. NewsWire/Joel Carrett Credit: News Corp Australia
Armytage said after spending her “whole adult life” at Seven, the network is like family.
“It’s been a wild ride. There has been lots of hard work, varied experiences and incredible experiences. I’ve covered the biggest stories for more than two decades,” she said.
“It’s been a privilege to be able to be in a great position at what has been a great network.”
Seven Television group managing director Angus Ross said Seven “fully understand and support” Armytage’s decision to farewell the broadcaster.
“Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Wants A Wife,” Mr Ross said in a statement.
“Her genuine affection for the country lifestyle she’s grown up with and enjoys to this day has shone through her three seasons with the TV Week Logie Award-nominated series.
Camera IconArmytage has worked for Channel 7 for more than two decades. NewsWire / Christian Gilles Credit: News Corp Australia
“It’s been a pleasure watching Sam share her pride of these communities with Australia as our incredible farmer love stories have unfolded.”
Mr Ross wished Sam “and her farmer” happiness and success for the future.
Armytage’s surprise departure comes after several high profile exits from the network, including Brisbane newsreader, Sharyn Ghidella who was axed after 17 years with Seven.
Seven West Media is currently undergoing one of it biggest restructures under Kerry Stokes’ chairmanship and is expected to shed 150 jobs in an attempt to save about $100m.
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