Beloved Channel 7 star Samantha Armytage has announced she is leaving the Seven Network after 21 years.
The Sunrise turned Farmer Wants a Wife host confirmed the news on Sunday via social media, but said it was “just the end of this chapter”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Samantha Armytage crashes Sam Mac’s live weather cross.
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“21 is a coming-of-age,” she began her Instagram post, “And so, after that many years, I am departing Channel 7 with lots of happy memories, a full heart and huge thanks to the many fantastic colleagues along the journey.
“There’s too many highlights to list ~ I have hosted almost every show in the network (from Sunrise dawn to Farmer’s dusk) ~ and covered many of the important news stories of the past two decades.
“I started at 7 as a fresh-faced 26-year-old journalist and will leave as a … ahem … more mature-faced woman — who’s worked hard, had THE most incredible experiences and also a lot of fun.”
“I hope I’ve brought a little bit of info and sparkle into your living rooms so far to ALL who watched, thank you for tuning in for so many years.
“This is not the end, just the end of this chapter.
“Now, how do you feel about heading up to ‘stories’ — for what we call in TV, a ‘highlight’s reel’?!?
“I’ll see you all again, soon. Sam xox,” her post ended.
Angus Ross, Group Managing Director, Seven Television said, “After 21 years, Samantha Armytage has decided to leave the Seven Network in October this year.
“We fully understand and support her decision.
“Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Wants A Wife.
“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. It’s been a pleasure watching Sam share her pride of these communities with Australia as our incredible farmer love stories have unfolded.”
“We wish Sam – and her farmer – every happiness and success for the future.”
As for the future of Farmer Wants a Wife, Ross confirmed that longtime host Natalie Gruzlewski will be returning as host full-time.
“Natalie Gruzlewski will continue to play cupid for our new crop of farmers and their ladies when the new season of Farmer Wants A Wife arrives on Channel 7 and 7plus in 2025.”
Armytage’s former Seven colleagues took to social media to share messages of support.
“An incredibly exciting new chapter. I look forward to catching up for a drink at the Logies xx,” Sunrise news presenter Edwina Bartholomew said.
“21? Time to unlock the next chapter hey? So many laughs and memories. Glad to have shared in some of them,” The Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies said.
“What an amazing ride it’s been Sam! Congratulations,” Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr said.
How to vote for Farmer Wants A Wife at the Logies
Nominated for: Best Structured Reality Program
Voting is now open and runs until Saturday, August 17, at 7pm AEST for the best categories and until Sunday, August 18, at 7.30pm for the most popular categories.
The Logies will be broadcast on Channel 7 on August 18.
You can vote now for your favourites from the shortlisted nominees at www.tvweeklogies.com.au.