Sam Armytage's shock departure from Seven
Samantha Armytage has announced that she is leaving the Seven Network after 21 years.
The beloved TV and media personality has confirmed the news on Sunday via social media, with a highlight reel of her time on the network.
"21 is a coming-of-age," she began in the post.
"And so, after that many years, I am departing Channel 7 with lots of happy memories, a full heart & huge thanks to the many fantastic colleagues along the journey."
The Farmer Wants A Wife host will bid farewell to the television network in October when her contract expires.
According to the Daily Telegraph, she was offered another contract with the network but declined the offer.
“It’s a little sad and it’s bittersweet, but the time has come,” Armytage told the outlet.
“I leave with lots of goodwill in my heart and excitement about the future.
“I’m big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. 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.
“This is not the end. It’s just the end of this chapter.”
She said that the reason why she chose to leave the network was because she wanted to "feel fulfilled".
“I had to sit with myself here and ask, ‘What does my next five to 10 years look like?” she told the Daily Telegraph.
“I’m 47, so it was a bit of a stocktake. I’m still productive. I want to make good TV.”
The beloved presented has been the host of Farmer Wants A Wife for the past two years, after moving from her role as a host on Sunrise, which she held of eight years.
The Seven network have also released a statement confirming her departure.
“After 21 years, Samantha Armytage has decided to leave the Seven Network in October this year. We fully understand and support her decision,” said Angus Ross, Group Managing Director of Seven Television.
“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.”
The move comes after several high-profile staff exits at the network amid their restructure.
Images: Instagram