Two Channel Seven Favourites Reportedly Emerge as Contenders for Samantha Armytage’s Golden Bachelor Role — As a Possible Today Return Complicates Her Next Move
In short: Two familiar Channel Seven presenters are reportedly being discussed as possible successors to Samantha Armytage on The Golden Bachelor. But as speculation about a potential return to Today continues, the role Samantha may be tempted to leave could become more valuable than first expected.
A choice that may not be as simple as it appears
Samantha Armytage may soon find herself weighing two very different television paths.
The former Sunrise host remains at the centre of speculation surrounding the future of Nine’s Today show. Although no new role or hosting change has been officially confirmed, Armytage would likely be among the prominent names considered if a position became available.
At the same time, she already holds a significant role at Nine as the host of The Golden Bachelor — and reports suggest there would be considerable interest in replacing her if she decided to move on.
Two Channel Seven names enter the picture
According to Daily Mail Australia, Edwina Bartholomew and Sonia Kruger could emerge as leading contenders to host The Golden Bachelor if Armytage became unavailable.
Both women are familiar Channel Seven personalities with extensive television experience, making their reported inclusion in the conversation unsurprising.
“Both would seriously look at it if the opportunity came up,” a television source told the publication, adding that neither presenter would require much persuasion if Nine made the right offer.
However, there has been no official confirmation that either Bartholomew or Kruger has been approached.
Why Samantha’s place may become highly sought-after
The reported interest is not simply about taking over an existing hosting position.
Nine is understood to have substantially reworked The Golden Bachelor ahead of its second season, shifting the program towards a more dynamic and competitive style.
Armytage has reportedly told friends that the revamped version feels like “a completely different show”, with insiders suggesting viewers can expect stronger personalities, rivalries and more dramatic moments than they saw during the first season.
“The new female cast is much more dynamic and competitive,” one source said in the report.
A different direction after the first season
The inaugural season followed widower Barry “Bear” Myrden as he found a connection with nurse Sunny Long.
While the season focused heavily on romance and personal stories, producers have reportedly concluded that the format needs more tension and memorable moments to grow into one of Nine’s major reality franchises.
The second season is therefore expected to place greater emphasis on the relationships and competition within the group, while still retaining the search for companionship at its centre.
Nine is also reportedly considering a stronger time slot for the program, although the network has not publicly outlined its plans.
Why Samantha is being urged to wait
The changes could leave Armytage with more to consider before making her next career decision.
A return to breakfast television would carry obvious appeal for a presenter who spent more than eight years alongside David Koch on Sunrise. Her experience with live interviews, breaking news and unscripted television would also make her a natural fit for that environment.
But people close to her are reportedly urging her not to underestimate the potential of the program she already hosts.
“Don’t walk away too quickly,” one insider said, noting that many established presenters would welcome the chance to lead a successful prime-time format.
If Armytage left before the revamped season had an opportunity to find its audience, she could be stepping away just as the franchise begins a more ambitious chapter.
The role could strengthen her position rather than hold her back
There is also another possibility behind Armytage’s decision.
Success on The Golden Bachelor may not prevent her from returning to breakfast television in the future. It could strengthen her position by demonstrating that she can lead one of Nine’s most talked-about entertainment programs while retaining the authority required for news and current affairs.
One industry source described her ability to remain composed while unpredictable situations unfold as a major part of her value to the network.
“Very few presenters can genuinely do both,” the source said of Armytage’s ability to move between entertainment and serious interviews.
That versatility could give her greater influence in any future discussions about Today.
No decision has been confirmed
For now, Armytage remains connected to The Golden Bachelor, while talk of a possible Today role continues without official confirmation.
Bartholomew and Kruger have only been identified as reported contenders, and there is no suggestion that a replacement process has formally begun.
Yet their names underline what may be at stake. Samantha’s next decision is not only about where she could go, but whether she is ready to leave a role that may be becoming more valuable — both to Nine and to her own future — than anyone initially expected.
Source: Daily Mail Australia