Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding ‘real love’ in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being ‘staged’

Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'

As I delve into the captivating world of Australian television, I find myself mesmerized by the career trajectory of Samantha Armytage. With over two decades at Seven Network under her belt, it seems she has now decided to embark on a new adventure with Nine.


Samantha Armytage appears to have subtly criticized her former employers, Channel 7, when she commented about her new position on The Golden Bachelor.

At Nine’s Upfronts event held on Thursday, it was unveiled that the television personality, aged 48, who recently left Channel Seven in August, has been selected as the host of the Australian version of The Bachelor spin-off series.

Discussing her latest project with 9Entertainment, Samantha expressed that the series revolves around discovering genuine romance, subtly contrasting it with her previous show, Farmer Wants A Wife.

She suggested, in a subtle hint, that you’re seeking genuine affection and romantic connection. In essence, she was emphasizing the search for true love.

I can hardly wait for this show; it’s become incredibly popular in the U.S., and I think it will also capture the hearts of Australians.

In the year 2025, The Golden Bachelor provides an opportunity for individuals in their fifties and sixties to explore romance once more, airing on Channel Nine.

It’s possible that Samantha’s comments were perceived as a subtle critique of her previous show “Farmer Wants a Wife,” especially after the 2024 season received criticism for appearing to be scripted or staged.

During the airing of the 2024 series, viewers of the dating show expressed their disapproval on social media, alleging that the producers were attempting to emulate the format of “MAFS” (Married at First Sight).

Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'

Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'

‘I think the new producer is trying to make the show like MAFS,’ one social media user wrote.

‘They can edit it any way they want and make both the men and women out to be something they aren’t. All the kissing, etc, this year and the sexual innuendos are more like MAFS than in previous seasons.’

‘It will be the end of the show if they keep pushing it to be another MAFS,’ another user agreed.

‘I agree with all these statements, especially after watching the first seasons when it was REALLY a great show and it was really about farmers finding love, not trying to imitate MAFS,’ another commented.

In the year 2024, the series unfolded as one of the most thrilling, with beloved character Farmer Bert opting to go it alone following his personal decision that he wasn’t prepared for a romantic involvement yet.

Yet, there were allegations made that he departed from the series as a result of the ‘unwanted drama he was compelled to generate for the program’.

According to a source, he no longer wanted to be manipulated by the farmers who kept instigating conflicts among themselves and the women on the farm. (Yahoo Lifestyle)

In August, the long-time host of “Outgoing Farmer Wants A Wife,” Samantha, surprised fans when she left her position at Seven Network after 21 years, sparking speculation about what might be her future plans.

Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'

At Nine’s Upfronts event for their 2025 programming lineup, it was revealed that her new TV role on The Golden Bachelor had been announced.

In the video interview with 9Entertainment, Samantha expressed her belief that everyone would really enjoy it, and she referred to it as a tribute to the golden eras of love.

When I received the invitation to participate in the program, I didn’t think twice about it. Given its massive popularity in the United States, I believe it will also capture the hearts of Australians.

Nine is ecstatically excited to introduce Samantha Armytage as the latest host for our romantic quest, The Golden Bachelor. Everyone deserves a fresh start in love, and Liana Dubois, our Chief Marketing Officer, noted that we are particularly delighted to have Samantha on board.

In November 2023, Warner Bros Australia ignited rumors about a local adaptation of the show by seeking applications from “enthusiastic, active, and sociable male seniors aged 60 or above who are divorced or widowed” for a brand-new dating series.

As a devoted admirer, I’m eagerly inviting you to share your stories! If you have someone in mind who embodies the beauty of love transcending age, I encourage you to nominate them for our show. We aim to honor and highlight this timeless emotion, proving that numbers on a clock don’t dictate when or how we find love and romance.

In the initial American adaptation, the leading role in The Golden Bachelor was played by Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old widower and father of two, while the female counterpart, The Golden Bachelorette, debuted with Joan Vassos, a 61-year-old widow seeking romance.

The American version of the show has achieved great success, attracting 6.1 million viewers for its final episode, marking the highest viewership for a finale of The Bachelor in America since 2021.

Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'
Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'

After several weeks of rumors suggesting her participation, it has been confirmed that Samantha will appear on the reality TV show, following reports that she agreed to join the Bachelor series and sealed a contract with Nine.

A confidant characterized Samantha’s recent hosting role as a ‘shrewd decision’, praising her for being an excellent fit for the job following her successful revitalization of the Seven Network’s dating program, For What It’s Worth.

According to sources, it’s being whispered that her latest deal with Nine could potentially be quite substantial, though the specific figures haven’t yet been disclosed.

The report effectively put an end to speculations about Osher Gunsberg rejoining the Bachelor franchise.

Samantha’s significant professional transition represents a decisive step away from her previous employer, Seven, as she has now joined forces with their competing network instead.

At the Upfronts event, Samantha donned a striking red midi dress with a high neck and a keyhole opening at the neckline, symbolizing her personal sense of vengeance.

Samantha added a bit of height with some shiny silver heels and carried her necessities in a matching purse.

She complemented her sophisticated outfit with a pair of gold hoop earrings and chose a glamorous makeup look.

Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'
Samantha Armytage says her new show The Golden Bachelor is about finding 'real love' in apparent swipe at Seven after Farmer Wants A Wife came under fire for being 'staged'

In August, a well-known Australian figure officially left Seven Network after being part of it for 21 years.

Samantha became the face of popular dating show Farmer Wants A Wife last year after first appearing as a guest host alongside former presenter Natalie Gruzlewski. 

However, in August, she surprised “Seven” franchise enthusiasts when she declared her decision to leave the show after a 21-year tenure.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Sam expressed that the departure was a mix of sadness and sweetness, indicating that it was time for her to move on, but she was also thrilled about her upcoming ventures.

‘I’m big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. 

She confidently stated, “When the right moment arrives, I will be ready. I take pride in having the self-assurance to declare, ‘I’ve given this my best shot,’ and then I continue forward.

‘This is not the end. It’s just the end of this chapter.’

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2024-10-24 09:19

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