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Farmer Wants a Wife star breaks silence after split

<p><em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> fan favourite Farmer Andrew has confirmed his split from Claire Saunders after the pair cancelled their upcoming wedding. </p> <p>The pair, who met each other on the 2023 season of the show, initially shared that their wedding had been postponed in July for “reasons out of our control”.</p> <p>On Monday, Andrew confirmed that the relationship ended in a lengthy Instagram post. </p> <p>“It feels the right time to share what’s been happening in my life on the farm and beyond,” he began.</p> <p>“For someone who’s more used to being surrounded by sheep and nature than the buzz of social media, this is a bit out of the box. But here goes.”</p> <p>He explained that a few years ago he wanted to share the farm life with "someone special" so he decided to sign up for the show. </p> <p>“I never imagined meeting such an amazing group of women, each with their own spirit and story. It was exciting and humbling, reminding me of how important love and connection are,” he said.</p> <p>“Amidst it all, one extraordinary woman captured my heart, and we decided to give it a shot.</p> <p>“We moved in together, dreaming of a future where our love would grown alongside the farm. It was fast-paced, passionate and fun.</p> <p>He continued saying that life had other plans for them and despite their love and effort,  "sometimes things just don’t work out."</p> <p>“Living together brought its own challenges, and we realised our paths weren’t meant to stay intertwined.”</p> <p>He said that while it was "sad" the relationship had to end, they gave it their all. </p> <p>“Though it didn’t lead us where we hoped, it helped us grow. It’s been a huge outlay of heart and soul. And while it’s painful to walk away, we’ve both emerged stronger, wiser, and more attuned to what really matters.”</p> <p>He then went on to thank his family, friends and followers who helped him through tough times, and shared his plan going forward. </p> <p>“As I move forward, I’m choosing to celebrate the love we shared, the lessons learned, and the strength gained.</p> <p>“No regrets, just gratitude. Now, it’s time to dive back into farm life. here’s never a dull moment with the challenges, adventures and pleasures that come from living and working on the land, and I look forward to sharing this journey, hoping we can all find inspiration," he ended the post. </p> <p>The former couple announced their engagement in March 2021, after Claire moved to Andrew's farm in Narromine, regional NSW. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"Welcome to the world": TV stars share heartwarming news

<p>A fan favourite couple from the 2023 season of <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> have announced some heartwarming family news. </p> <p>Brad Jones and Clare Hockings took to Instagram to announce the birth of their first child together. </p> <p>“Roy Grahame Jones has arrived,” Brad, 32, wrote in the caption.</p> <p>Their announcement was flooded with well wishes for the new parents and baby Roy, with the post racking up almost 10,000 likes. </p> <p>Their fellow <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> contestant David McMahon shared a comment for the couple, writing, "Very happy for you both! Welcome to the world Master Jones."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0i6z2qhLnv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0i6z2qhLnv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brad Jones (@farmerbradau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first announced their pregnancy in June, just one month after the show finished airing.</p> <p>At the time, Clare, 28, posted a picture of herself with Brad on their Cootamundra farm, showcasing a pair of baby booties resting on top of a saddle.</p> <p>“We’re so excited to meet our newest little farm hand!” the excited mum-to-be said in the caption.</p> <p>“Baby Jones due December.” </p> <p>Brad opened up about the surprise pregnancy in <em><a href="https://www.newidea.com.au/farmer-wants-a-wife-brad-clare-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Idea</a></em> at the time, admitting they “didn’t think it would happen as quick as it did”.</p> <p>Despite the news of their growing family coming as a shock to the couple, starting a family was always on the cards for the couple, as they told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7Life</em></a> shortly after the series ended that they were <br />"ready to settle down". </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Fed up farmer blasts major supermarkets for price gouging

<p>In a heartfelt plea captured in a viral video, Ross Marsolino, a Victorian farmer and owner of Natural Earth Produce, expressed his frustration with major supermarkets and their pricing strategies for fruits and vegetables.</p> <p>Marsolino, who specialises in growing zucchinis, tomatoes and eggplants in Victoria's Goulburn Valley, said that the profit margins imposed by supermarkets are crippling farmers, adversely impacting consumers, and driving growers out of business.</p> <p>“We’re going to walk away from 80 acres today,” Marsolino said in his video posted to social media. “We’re not retailing the right price to be able to keep the product moving and selling. Plain and simple. The supermarkets are making too much profit out of our crops. We can’t survive. As growers we can’t afford to pay the workers, 50 people are going to be out of the system looking for work.”</p> <p>The crux of Marsolino's argument lies in the claim that supermarkets are engaging in price-gouging, purchasing produce from growers at a considerably lower price and then selling it at a steep markup. He highlighted the stark contrast between the $1.80 per kilo that supermarkets allegedly pay to farmers and the retail price of $4.99, stating that this disparity is unsustainable for growers.</p> <p>The consequence, as Marsolino outlined, is a domino effect on the entire supply chain. Farmers, unable to cover their costs, are forced to reduce the quantity of product they sell, leading to both financial losses for growers and higher prices for consumers.</p> <p>That is why, in his case, Marsolino is saying he is prepared to abandon his 80-acre zucchini crop, estimating the loss at a staggering $2 million. This decision, he said, is a result of the unsustainable economics of the industry.</p> <p>Marsolino's argument goes beyond his personal struggle; he contends that the high retail prices set by supermarkets are ultimately detrimental to consumers and the agricultural industry as a whole. He believes that if prices were lowered to a more reasonable level, consumers would be more inclined to purchase the produce, resulting in increased sales for growers and a healthier industry overall.</p> <p>The plea from Marsolino has also sparked a call for government intervention. He urged authorities to scrutinise the pricing practices of supermarkets, demanding transparency in their transactions with growers. Marsolino's desire is for someone to hold the major supermarket chains accountable for the prices they set and to ensure that they are fair and reasonable.</p> <p>In response to Marsolino's claims, representatives from Woolworths and Coles <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/fed-up-farmer-abandons-80acre-zucchini-crop-blaming-high-markups-at-supermarkets/news-story/30c5ebbaa296e74b8c12c1da356696cd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">defended their pricing structures</a>. They argued that the prices paid to suppliers are influenced by various factors, including processing, transport, labour, packaging and market conditions. Both companies emphasised their commitment to fair pricing and their efforts to balance the interests of suppliers and consumers.</p> <p>Marsolino's plea serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to sustain both the agricultural sector and the affordability of fresh produce for consumers. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether there will be a shift towards a more equitable pricing structure that benefits all stakeholders in the industry.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Farmer Wants A Wife couple announce exciting news

<p dir="ltr"><em>Farmer Wants a Wife </em>couple Brad and Clare have announced that they are expecting their first child together.</p> <p dir="ltr">The lovebirds took to Instagram to announce the exciting news, with a picture of the pair posing alongside a tiny pair of shoes.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’re so excited to meet our newest little farm hand! Baby Jones due December,” Clare captioned the photo.</p> <p dir="ltr">The surprise announcement comes just one month after the show finished airing on <em>Channel Seven</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair opened up about their family plans to <em>New Idea</em>, and shared that it has been a “crazy” time.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We didn’t think it would happen as quick as it did,” Brad told the publication.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct71vikPGvh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct71vikPGvh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Clare Hockings (@clare_hockings)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Clare shared that she is currently in her second trimester and is feeling “pretty good” about her “pretty healthy” pregnancy so far.</p> <p dir="ltr">Clare also revealed that this will be the first grandchild on her side, and that her parents are ecstatic as they are already shopping for the new bub.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They are so excited,” she gushed. “Brad’s parents just welcomed a new granddaughter the other day, so it’ll be nice for our baby to have a little cousin close in age.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple have reportedly decided that they want to wait and find out the baby’s gender “the old-fashioned way”, and that they have yet to decide on a name for their baby.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brad and Clare have both been on the same page about their relationship goals and that they are “ready to settle down and start a family and get married”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans and friends congratulated the couple on their happy news.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Finally 😍😍😍 congratulations my loves ❤️❤️" commented former Farmer Wants A Wife contestant, Jessica Nova.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Oh my congratulations guys🥹❤️" commented a fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is so exciting !!! Congrats you two 😍" commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Congrats guys, can’t wait," wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Dog lovers rejoice after "greedy" serial puppy farmer handed life ban

<p dir="ltr">A serial puppy offender has faced sentencing over 17 charges of animal cruelty, with both a lifetime ban and thousands of dollars in fees included in her punishment. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 51-year-old woman from Bullsbrook, a northern suburb in Perth, had been breeding sick dogs in squalid conditions while charging their potential new owners thousands of dollars, and has now been banned from owning or breeding any more dogs for the rest of her life. </p> <p dir="ltr">For her cruel actions, the Perth Magistrates Court handed her a “10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, $25,000 in fines and an 18-month Intensive Supervision Order.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Additionally, the repeat offender - who has been in custody since April 14 after breaching the conditions of her bail - was also ordered to pay $24,279.11 in legal costs, as well as care and treatment costs totalling $18,241.01.</p> <p dir="ltr">The charges were in relation to 23 dogs who were seized from her property in June 2020 - with sought-after breeds including the likes of Maltese, shih-tzus, poodles, and cavalier King Charles spaniels among them.</p> <p dir="ltr">It wasn’t her first offence - instead her fourth - but her most recent was in 2014 when the RSPCA found 50 dogs at her former home, with 12 of the animals “hidden in a bunker three metres underground”. </p> <p dir="ltr">This time around, she had been trying to conceal her crimes. As the court heard in December, she has been moving the dogs between three different Bullbrook addresses in a bid to avoid detection.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was a display of “callous disregard or at least wilful blindness,” Magistrate Janie Gibbs said. </p> <p dir="ltr">RSPCA WA had launched their investigation into her after a member of the public reported their concerns - they had been trying to purchase a puppy through Gumtree, and had grown suspicious when they were informed they couldn’t visit the dog at home. </p> <p dir="ltr">From there, RSPCA WA seized 32 dogs from the woman’s property - of which there were four adult males, 19 adult females, and nine puppies - with the majority of them showing signs of being “underweight, unkempt, or unwell”, and nearly all of them suffering from “ear infections and/or dental disease and … matted, overgrown hair”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Two did not survive, and five of them were pregnant, giving birth to 22 more puppies in the weeks to follow. All have been in the foster care of RSPCA WA while the case went on. </p> <p dir="ltr">As RSPCA WA Executive Manager Animal and Enforcement Operations Hannah Dreaver explained, the woman responsible had been operating a profit-driven business, and had been placing her income well above the welfare of the dogs in her care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This included using several locations to hide this operation from both authorities and potential puppy buyers,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“All were popular breeds selling for thousands of dollars. These dogs were making her a fortune and she was treating them as nothing more than money-making machines, having litter after litter without proper care.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Please, if you want to get a dog, consider adoption from the RSPCA or another reputable rescue organisation first. If you do decide to buy a puppy, never buy online and never buy sight unseen. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Always meet your new puppy and its mum in the home where it’s being raised.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: RSPCA WA</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Farmer Wants a Wife stars reveal what it’s like to work with Sam Armytage

<p dir="ltr"><em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> stars Brad and Brenton have revealed what it’s like to work with former <em>Sunrise </em>host Sam Armytage.</p> <p dir="ltr">The two farmers from NSW and Victoria only had positive things to say about the presenter.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She was really good. There were a few times where we got some one-on-one time with her when the cameras weren’t rolling and talked to her and she was really genuine and down to earth,” Brad said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The farmer also said that Sam gave him advice on how to find his match on the show, which has been fruitful, after he successfully found love and is now in a relationship with Clare Hockings.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sam said to me, ‘Just be yourself and I can see you’re here for the right reasons and to embrace the experience. You’ll probably end up with a good outcome’. And we have (done) so,” Brad said.</p> <p dir="ltr">His partner, Clare, also agreed and said that Sam was “down to earth” and “always lovely” throughout the experience.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brenton, another farmer who appeared on the show said that he “loved” working with her and doesn’t deserve the hate she receives online.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She gets a lot of hate on Facebook but I don’t think I could have had anyone more genuine and down to earth than Sam,” he said, reflecting back on his time in the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sam made us feel so comfortable at events and just would chat to you like you were best friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I have all the time in the world for her,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Seven News</em></p>

TV

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“Sam has plans afoot”: Ratings smash puts Sam Armytage in the driver’s seat

<p><em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>'s Samantha Armytage has enjoyed early success with her new hosting gig, with the reality series seeing a wave of success in the ratings department for its first few episodes.</p> <p>The 2023 season premiere alone drew in approximately 1.08 million viewers, leading many to believe that Armytage has made leaps and bounds towards reasserting herself as a valued member of the team over at Seven.</p> <p>“She’s now in a place to get just about anything she wants from hereon in,” a source told New Idea, before noting that Armytage was driven by ambition, and was already looking ahead to her next steps with the network.</p> <p>“Sam has plans afoot,” they explained. “She's cleverly stayed on the network's radar, knowing if she landed and nailed a lead role like in <em>FWAW</em> [<em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>] then doors would open.”</p> <p>Sam, who had parted ways with Seven’s breakfast show <em>Sunrise</em> in 2020, had a tough battle ahead when she took over from beloved former <em>FWAW </em>host Natalie Gruzlewski. Even though Armytage had previously appeared on the show in a guest capacity, fans were shocked by the news, and struggled to come to terms with the upcoming shift.</p> <p>According to <em>New Idea</em>’s insider, this applied in part to Gruzlewski too, with them explaining that “no one saw this coming, least of all Nat. She didn't know the full extent of the role changes until recently - it was a bolt out of the blue!</p> <p>“Sam has sold herself as the better choice because she maintains she is married to a farmer, grew up on a farm, and therefore is more relatable. Although that remains to be seen.”</p> <p>And it was an obvious change from the first 15 minutes of the new season, with Gruzlewski only seen in a handful of frames, while Armytage took centre stage interviewing the latest batch of hopeful contestants. </p> <p>The same source reported that Armytage is a “management favourite”, suggesting that the lineup shakeup was all part of an effort from the network to elevate Armytage’s professional profile again. </p> <p>They also explained that Gruzlewski was “taking the demotion in her stride”, all while demonstrating the good quality that fans had come to know from her.</p> <p>“Nat is no diva and was always a crowd favourite, the farmers and the women almost always warmed to her,” they said, before noting that there was a very real sense “this might end up being Nat’s final season” in light of the changes. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Sam Armytage's major new role

<p dir="ltr">Sam Armytage is making a move back to permanent hosting duties for the first time since leaving <em>Sunrise </em>in 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a massie shake-up for Channel 7, Armytage has been announced as the new host for <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>, taking over from long-serving host Natalie Gruzlewski.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gruzlewski has hosted the reality show on and off since it began in 2007, with Armytage occasionally stepping in as the co-host.</p> <p dir="ltr">The two women have essentially swapped roles, with Gruzlewski staying on the team to co-host and mingle with contestants.</p> <p dir="ltr">When Armytage joined the show last year, she would engage with contestants in a more casual setting while Gruzlewski fronted the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a press release issued by Seven on Monday, it casually referred to Armytage as “host” and Gruzlewski as “co-host” in the last line of the statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">The media outlet did not address the major shake-up in their press release, but rather spoke to <em><a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2023/02/sam-armytage-new-host-of-farmer-wants-a-wife.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TV Tonight</a></em> about what the host change will mean for the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Seven’s director of scheduling Brook Hall said, “They’re both in the show still. [Previously] Nat was front and centre and Sam was advising on dates. But if I’m being honest, they’ve kind of slightly flipped.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nat has ‘Nat’s Getaway’ [a segment on <em>Farmer</em>] so she’ll be co-host, she’ll be opening the start. It’s more blended, with one front and one appearing. But yes, Samantha Armytage is taking more centre stage.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> originally aired on the Nine network from 2007 until 2012, before it was revived for one season in 2016 with Sam McClymont as host.</p> <p dir="ltr">It was cancelled shortly afterwards, before Seven picked up the rights to the show in 2019 and commissioned a new season, with Gruzlewski returning as series host yet again.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Seven</em></p>

TV

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Hollywood star engaged to Aussie farmer

<p>Hollywood actress Kate Walsh accidentally announced she is engaged to Aussie farmer Andrew Nixon during an Instagram Live video. </p> <p>The 54-year-old <em>Grey's Anatomy</em> actress was chatting with her former <em>Private Practice</em> co-star Amy Brenneman when her partner walked into the frame.</p> <p>“Here comes the jungle cat,” she said. “That is my fiancé.”</p> <p>The farmer smiled and waved at the camera as Brenneman, 58, told him, “She just 100 per cent outed your engagement.”</p> <p>Walsh, whose ring could be seen during the video, then confirmed, “I did. I just outed our engagement.”</p> <p>News of the pair's relationship originally broke in February 2021, with reports they had met on a cruise. </p> <p>The couple have been living together in Perth, with Walsh telling The Daily Telegraph in August 2020 that she got “stuck” away from home during the pandemic.</p> <p>“I didn’t really want to go back to New York in the middle of a pandemic when it was pretty gnarly to say the least,” she said at the time.</p> <p>“I couldn’t go home initially, and now that I can, I don’t really fancy going back,” she continued. “I have my own mother saying, ‘Don’t come home,’ my 86-year-old mum. We are in a very challenging time!”</p> <p>Until now, Walsh's relationship with Nixon has been kept extremely private, as they have both chosen not to post photos of each other on social media. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram </em></p> <div class="media image portrait side-by-side" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 338.484375px; float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 14.09375px; margin-bottom: 24px;"> </div>

Relationships

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Why Sam Armytage won’t return to breakfast TV

<p dir="ltr">Samantha Armytage has vowed that she won’t ever return to breakfast TV after being the face of <em>Sunrise</em> for eight years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 46-year-old sat alongside David Koch from 2013 to 2021 hosting the popular breakfast news program before marrying her farmer husband Richard Lavender, 60.</p> <p dir="ltr">The last few weeks, Sam has been promoting the new season of <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em>, as she enjoys her life as a farmer’s wife. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the midst of promoting on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em>, she has revealed that she won’t go back to breakfast TV because she is happy with her life. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1U7UjPrVu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch1U7UjPrVu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Farmer Wants A Wife (@farmeraustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“We found some really good farmers this year,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The show is genuinely about these people fall in love.” </p> <p dir="ltr">She was then put on the spot by Jackie O who said: “It doesn’t sound like you miss breakfast TV at all."</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t,” Sam bluntly replied.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I wouldn’t want to go back and be a TV star. I quite like my life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When Sam famously left <em>Sunrise</em> she confessed there were a number of reasons for her leaving television.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There were many, many reasons,” she told Kyle Sandilands on her podcast <em>Something To Talk About with Samantha Armytage</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But one of the reasons, was that I thought the fun wasn’t there anymore because anything I said – and I was the lightning rod for the show at that point – anything I said was analysed and I was getting beaten to death by the bloody Daily Mail.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You just think, ‘Is life worth this?’”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Meet the cast of Farmer Wants A Wife

<p dir="ltr"><em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> is hitting the screens once again with hopeless romantics trying their luck at love.</p> <p dir="ltr">The show will be hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski, who will be joined by former <em>Sunrise</em> host Sam Armytage who herself famously <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/sam-armytage-shares-beautiful-new-wedding-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fell in love with a farmer</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I fell in love with a farmer myself, so I can't wait to help them find the one,” Sam tells viewers in the trailer.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a twist that hasn’t been seen in a long 11 years, the show has once again introduced a female farmer, ​​Farmer Paige.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV1GYbKomi8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CV1GYbKomi8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Farmer Wants A Wife (@farmeraustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Along with Farmer Paige, there is also Farmer Will, Farmer Harry, Farmer Ben, and Farmer Benjamin hoping to find the one to spend the rest of their lives together. </p> <p dir="ltr">Here’s what you need to know about the farmers.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Farmer Paige</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The 27-year-old knew at the age of 15 that she wanted to become a farmer.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So much of my life, at work and after hours, revolves around the farm or around farm-based activities," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I would like to have someone to come with me to the drafts and the rodeos, or join me on the fence line, or be my gate opener; just someone to share life with."</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Farmer Will</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The broadacre crop and sheep farmer is only 26 and looking to settle down with someone who has the same interests.</p> <p dir="ltr">Those interests range from football, motorbike riding, fishing, tennis, cricket and water sports.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Farmer Ben</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Already a father to a three-year-old, Farmer Ben, 27, is looking for someone who is family focused. </p> <p dir="ltr">He runs a dairy farm in Wingham, NSW and considers him “old fashioned” when it comes to love.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Farmer Benjamin</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Farmer Benjamin is a 33-year-old sheep farmer based at Guyra in NSW but is also a man of many talents.</p> <p dir="ltr">He holds a degree in drama, co-owns a record label, can DJ, and produces music.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Farmer Harry</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The youngest of the pack at just 23, Farmer Harry loves to cook for his future significant other.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> airs on September 4, on Channel 7 at 7pm.</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Farm shooter had gun ban revoked

<p dir="ltr">The farmer who allegedly shot at four family members killing three of them actually had his gun ban revoked. </p> <p dir="ltr">Darryl Young is accused of murdering three of his neighbours following a dispute of boundary lines on their land in Bogie, near Collinsville in Queensland. </p> <p dir="ltr">However, court documents have revealed that the 59-year-old had his gun ban revoked almost a decade ago after a successful appeal saying he needed it for his “business”.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Young was granted his gun licence in 1992, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/for-my-business-alleged-farm-massacre-culprit-darryl-youngs-prior-police-stoush-over-gun-licence-revealed/news-story/5d29e6d9f1922a2d4009f8d17eb60ea1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported.</p> <p dir="ltr">Young was allowed to hold four rifles and two shotguns with his licence. </p> <p dir="ltr">Then in 2010, Young went to renew his licence but Queensland Police refused on the basis that it was “not in the public interest”. </p> <p dir="ltr">In his response to the refusal, Young explained that he needed the licence to control the feral animals on his farm.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is no were (sic) in the laws of the gun laws that I have broken to stop me having a gun licence,” his application read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I need my gun licence for my business. I hope the Tribunal over turns (sic) the decision so I can have my licence.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The tribunal accepted Young’s explanation which saw him get his licence again. </p> <p dir="ltr">Last week, in matters unrelated, Young was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/man-accused-of-shooting-family-of-four-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with the murder</a> of his neighbours Mervyn, 71, Maree Schwarz, 59, and their son Graham Tighe, 35, following a dispute of boundary lines on their land in Bogie near Collinsville in Queensland.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was also charged with one count of attempted murder after Mervyn and Maree’s other son Ross Tighe survived following a gunshot wound to the abdomen.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police will allege Young invited the three members to the edge of his property on August 4 before shooting them “execution style”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Young allegedly shot at Ross who managed to escape the farm in a ute and alert police to the horrific attack against his family.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police charged Young with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder and he appeared briefly at Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday with his lawyer asking for the case to be transferred. </p> <p dir="ltr">Young was reprimanded in custody and will reappear in court on November 1.</p> <p dir="ltr">Acting Superintendent Tom Armitt said it was incredible Ross was able to survive due to the properties being so far apart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s actually a 45-minute drive between the neighbours,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At the crime scene, which is at the front gate of one of the premises, it is a 3km drive between the gate and the house at that location.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 7News</em></p>

Legal

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Sneak peek at Sam Armytage's long-awaited TV return

<p>It's been over a year since Sam Armytage's shock exit from <em>Sunrise</em> stunned viewers. </p> <p>Now, the TV personality is making her long-awaited return to Channel Seven as the co-host of <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>. </p> <p>The network released a first look at the new season of the country-style reality dating show, which is a way of life close to Sam's heart.</p> <p>Armytage now lives in the country with her husband Richard Lavender, who she discussed in the trailer for the upcoming season. </p> <p>“I fell in love with a farmer myself, so I can't wait to help them find the one,” she says.</p> <p>The trailer also showcases the five farmers who are set to begin their journey for love in season eleven.</p> <p>“Love, it underpins who I am. I want to give my life to someone,” farmer Will, 26 remarks.</p> <p>“Love is something you just can't live without,” farmer Harry, 23, adds, while farmer Ben, 27, shares, “I hope to find a wife and get married”.</p> <p>“Let’s have a yarn, let’s have a chinwag!” Farmer Benjamin, 33, continues.</p> <p>It was first announced in October last year that Armytage would be a special guest on the 2022 season of <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> alongside host Natalie Gruzlewski.</p> <p>Channel Seven shared a statement last year explaining that Sam will “help the farmers and ladies on their road to finding real love”, where she will introduce each farmer to a new lady based on her own expertise and experience.</p> <p>“I'm thrilled to be joining <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> in 2022,” she said. “I've always been a huge fan of the show and of country people, and I know first-hand that falling in love with a farmer is just about the most wonderful thing you can do.”</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/seReePBSd3E" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><em>Image credits: Channel Seven</em></p>

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Here’s how to support farmers and the environment on National Banana Day

<p dir="ltr">Though <a href="https://abgc.org.au/2021/04/30/banana-growers-celebrate-national-banana-day/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">95 percent</a> of Aussie households buy an average of 800 grams of bananas each week, there’s one variety that most of us have seen but don’t know much about: red-wax tipped bananas.</p> <p dir="ltr">Most of us will have seen them in our local supermarket, but research suggests that only 4 percent of us know what the significance of the wax is.</p> <p dir="ltr">For National Banana Day on May 1, members of the Australian banana industry are urging fans of the potassium-packed fruit to show their support for farmers doing their bit for the environment, and all we need to do is pick these eye-catching bananas.</p> <p dir="ltr">The red wax on the ends of these bananas signifies that they’re grown using Ecoganic farming methods, which avoids synthetic and organic fertilisers and is certified by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Ecoganic farming explained</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">This style of farming, conceptualised and perfected by Australian growers Frank and Diane Sciaccia, seeks to avoid the environmental impacts that traditional farming has.</p> <p dir="ltr">Since fertilisers can impact the health of soil, waterways, and wildlife, Mr Sciaccia was inspired to develop ways of farming that use products that have a minimal impact and allow the biodiversity and health of the soil to improve, with an overarching goal of having zero impact on nearby waterways.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We wanted to farm differently, with nature at the heart of what we do,” Mr Sciaccia said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nature keeps everything in balance, and understanding the natural capital you have available to you enables you to get rid of all the harmful chemicals. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The result is a farming method that is good for the environment and at the same time produces far superior bananas, just as nature intended."</p> <p dir="ltr">Certified growers are required to undertake fortnightly monitoring of biodiversity levels, as well as audits every six months and annual carbon testing.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the Ecoganic <a href="http://www.eco-banana.com.au/ecoganic/wordpress/index.php/ecoganics/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, growers regularly supply soil samples that are “tested and verified by independent agencies” to verify that growers aren’t using synthetic or organic chemicals.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, the red-tipped bananas are guaranteed to be free of harmful pesticides and grown using environmentally-conscious methods.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d3449862-7fff-d39f-245f-c3470ee71034"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Supplied</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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"Giddy-up!": Sam Armytage reveals ANOTHER new gig

<p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p>She’s the former Sunrise host who is set to join the cast of Farmer Wants a Wife in the New Year.</p> <p>Samantha Armytage revealed she has another exciting TV project on the horizon.</p> <p>The 45-year-old will be joining the ‘incredible’ horse racing team at Channel 7, where she will report from the marquee events during racing season.</p> <p>Sharing the news to Instagram, Sam couldn’t hide her excitement as she threw in a spirited ‘giddy-up.’</p> <p>‘Thrilled to be heading back to TV &amp; back to @channel7 next year, helping out on @farmeraustralia &amp; joining the incredible team @7horseracing for marquee events…giddy up and &amp; can’t wait.’</p> <p>This comes after Channel Seven confirmed Sam – who stepped down as host of Sunrise in March – will join the upcoming season of dating show Farmer Wants a Wife as a guest star.</p> <p>On Tuesday morning, the network announced Sam, who married wealthy farmer Richard Lavender late last year, will assist with the matchmaking process alongside host Natalie Gruzlewski.</p> <p>‘I’m thrilled to be joining Farmer Wants a Wife in 2022,’ she said at the time.</p> <p>‘I’ve always been a huge fan of the show and of country people and I know first-hand that falling in love with a farmer is just about the most wonderful thing you can do.’</p> <p>Her guest role will involve hosting a segment called Sam’s choice in which she introduces the farmers to a ‘new lady based on her own expertise and experience.’</p> <p>Angus Ross, Seven’s Director of programming said the network was ‘thrilled to welcome Sam back to our screens’.</p>

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“The most wonderful thing”: Sam Armytage's surprise career move

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Samantha Armytage is making a surprising return to television, after Channel Seven revealed she would be a special guest on the 2022 season of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farmer Wants a Wife</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After leaving </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunrise</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> earlier this year and settling down in the NSW Southern Highlands, Armytage will be appearing on the reality dating show in her own segment titled ‘Sam’s choice’, where she will introduce the farmers to a new lady based on her expertise.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She’s perfectly suited to offer a bit of romantic advice between farmers and contestants … It seemed like a smart match to us,” Angus Ross, Seven’s director of network programming, told </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/sam-armytage-joins-farmer-wants-a-wife-all-the-news-from-the-seven-upfronts/news-story/4cd426f2f0c5a4838a8ed762f5b4b1f6" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">news.com.au</span></a></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a statement released by Seven, Armytage said, “I’ve always been a huge fan of the show and of country people, and I know first-hand that falling in love with a farmer is just about the most wonderful thing you can do.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seven also announced the return of </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">My Kitchen Rules</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which stopped airing this year following several seasons of dropping ratings.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alongside the return of fan favourites </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Voice</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Australia’s Got Talent</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Australian Idol</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the network will be debuting </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Generations</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a spin-off of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Voice</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @sam_armytage / Instagram</span></em></p>

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Farmer's moving tribute after missing family funeral

<p>A farmer in New South Wales has honoured a late family member in a very unique way. </p> <p>Ben Jackson, from Guyra in northern NSW, was unable to attend his aunt's funeral in Queensland due to COVID-19 border closures and restrictions.</p> <p>So instead, he paid tribute to his aunt in a very special way, and captured it all on his drone camera. </p> <p>The farmer used his property to create a love heart shape out of grain, causing hundreds of sheep to get in the formation. </p> <p>He captioned the video saying, "<span>I made this for my Aunty Deb. We said goodbye yesterday."</span></p> <p><span>“I hope you had a peep down and saw this from up there.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS7nqwKhkFV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS7nqwKhkFV/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Benjamin Jackson (@electricpostman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>Bridge </span>over Troubled Water can be heard in the background of the video, with Ben saying it was one of his aunt's "favourite tunes". </p> <p>The impressive tribute was played at Deb's funeral in Brisbane in place of her nephew's unfortunate absence. </p> <p>The farmer said he had been feeling “hopeless” on his farm, while being unable to travel to support members of his family.</p> <div class="caas-body"> <p>“…I wanted to show my love somehow. I know there are lots of people in worse situations, but it's still painful,” he said.</p> <p>Ben has long been creating “sheep art” on his property, and said his aunt loved to visit and hear about his latest creations.</p> <p><span>“I just hope that when I did it, Debbie took one eye off from having a yarn with her loved ones up there and looked down and saw my heart for her.”</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram @electricpostman</em></p> </div>

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“Vile”: Nickia blasts Farmer Will over pregnancy scandal

<p><span><em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> drama is continuing to heat up, after contestant Nickia slammed reality star Will Dwyer for his insensitive statement surrounding pregnancy rumours.</span><br /><br /><span>He has been embroiled in scandal for the last two weeks after another contestant, Hayley Love, revealed she and Dwyer had a short, tumultuous relationship after filming for the finale episode ended.</span><br /><br /><span>The fling quickly came to an abrupt end after she told him she was pregnant.</span><br /><br /><span>Dwyer had been at the receiving end of criticism, and his response to the allegations have left him in a less-than-favourable light with fans.</span><br /><br /><span>Taking to Instagram to share a vintage photo of his own father, he wrote, “My family is my world, and my parents were the perfect role models. When the time comes, I will be the best Dad I can be.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSEJwV-HB5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSEJwV-HB5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Will Dwyer (@farmerwillau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>“If this is in fact my child, I’ll be there whenever the child needs me. Even if as parents we can’t be a couple, our family will be filled with love for our child.</span><br /><br /><span>“But one thing I learnt from my Father is that discretion is the better part of valour. I’m sad that this has played out in public. I want only the best for Hayley.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ll say what needs to be said in private and let my deeds do the talking.”</span><br /><br /><span>Nickia, who is close friends with Hayley, 25, and is also a contestant on <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em>, has berated Dwyer for his “vile” statement.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842856/will-dwyer-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/550d2b54f8bc4fe1848df4e23aecea4f" /></p> <p><em>Nickia was a contestant on Farmer Wants A Wife. Image: Instagram @nickiacerneka</em></p> <p><span>She said in an Instagram story that the 39-year-old should have stepped up when Hayley first revealed she was pregnant.</span><br /><br /><span>Nickia also accused him of “vile” private conversations with the pregnant contestant.</span><br /><br /><span>Referencing Dwyer’s choice of words, Nickia responded, “When the time comes? The time came six months ago buddy when Hayley fell pregnant.”</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842857/will-dwyer-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/52036c8802834ccaaa17d5875db3b27b" /></p> <p><em>Image: Instagram @nickiacerneka. On the show, Nickia was matched with Farmer Sam Messina, but they failed to find love. </em></p> <p><span>She added, “Majority of what Will has said ‘in private’ has been vile. And I know because I’ve read it.”</span><br /><br /><span>Hayley went public last week about her pregnancy, stating the rumours that had circulated for weeks, made her feel like an “absolute wreck”.</span><br /><br /><span>“I am speaking my truth before it gets misconstrued by the public and tabloids who don’t know the full story,” Hayley, who had been paired with farmer Matt Trewin for the show, explained.</span><br /><br /><span>“This is my story to tell.”</span><br /><br /><span>She also revealed that she would gladly raise the baby by herself.</span><br /><br /><span>“I’ve tried to keep things amicable with (Will), to be clear on what his involvement with our child will be,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“At the end of the day I have decided to keep the baby because I have enough love for this child with or without a biological father. I will be enough for him or her.”</span><br /><br /><span>The <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> reunion special is set to air next Wednesday August 11 on Seven.</span><br /><br /><span>All eyes will be watching Will, who during the finale, was loved-up with his original “pick”, Jaimee.</span></p>

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Will Dwyer finally issues statement about pregnancy scandal

<p><span><em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> heart throb Will Dwyer has issued a public statement after contestant Hayley Love announced she was pregnant with his baby.</span><br /><br /><span>Dwyer has said he is “sad” the issue has played out in public, but didn’t fail to question whether the child “is in fact” his.</span><br /><br /><span>Love went public last week about her scandalous pregnancy earlier this month.</span><br /><br /><span>She had been paired with Farmer Matt Trewin for the show, however claims that she secretly started a relationship with Dwyer after filming wrapped up.</span><br /><br /><span>She went on to say their short, fiery relationship came to a halt after she revealed she was pregnant.</span><br /><br /><span>Dwyer, 39, took to Instagram to say he wants “what’s best for Hayley” but also values “discretion” about their situation.</span><br /><br /><span>Sharing a vintage photo of his own father, he wrote: “My family are my world, and my parents were the perfect role models. When the time comes, I will be the best Dad I can be. If this is in fact my child, I’ll be there whenever the child needs me. Even if as parents we can’t be a couple, our family will be filled with love for our child.</span><br /><br /><span>“But one thing I learnt from my Father is that discretion is the better part of valour. I’m sad that this has played out in public. I want only the best for Hayley. I’ll say what needs to be said in private and let my deeds do the talking.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSEJwV-HB5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CSEJwV-HB5M/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Will Dwyer (@farmerwillau)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>In her original statement to news.com.au, Love, 25, admitted why she had decided to come forward with her story.</span><br /><br /><span>“I am speaking my truth before it gets misconstrued by the public and tabloids who don’t know the full story,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“This is my story to tell.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRIHon6iHJq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRIHon6iHJq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Farmer Wants A Wife (@farmeraustralia)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>She went on to reveal that she was prepared to raise the baby by herself: “I’ve tried to keep things amicable with (Will), to be clear on what his involvement with our child will be,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“At the end of the day I have decided to keep the baby because I have enough love for this child with or without a biological father. I will be enough for him or her.”</span><br /><br /><span>In another statement, Love revealed she had been “absolutely terrified” to come forward.</span><br /><br /><span>“I was absolutely terrified to come out with a statement as I am struggling with my mental health,” she wrote.</span><br /><br /><span>“While the rumours were spreading I became a complete wreck. I removed myself from social media to recover from all the awful comments I was reading about myself and even other girls/farmers.”</span><br /><br /><span>The Farmer Wants a Wife reunion episode is set to air next Wednesday, August 11 on Seven.</span></p>

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Will Dwyer speaks out about Farmer Wants a Wife pregnancy

<p><span>A farmer from the hit show <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> has responded to major claims from contestant Hayley Love who alleged he is the father of her unborn child.</span><br /><br /><span>The harsh criticisms clearly don’t seem to phase Will Dwyer, who paired with Jaimee on the show, but struck up a secret relationship with Hayley after filming ended.</span><br /><br /><span>Will declined to comment on her public announcements, but took to Instagram to post a graphic that read: “A WOLF DOES NOT CONCERN HIMSELF WITH THE OPINIONS OF SHEEP”.</span></p> <p><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842749/will-dwyer-hayley-love-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c9a65a4a09bf4dd6b8017897dd53efc4" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Will chose Jaimee on Farmer Wants a Wife. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p><span>Hayley was originally paired with Farmer Matt Trewin on the show, and came forward to allege she and Will connected after the finale episode in December, and before the reunion episode that was taped in January.</span><br /><br /><span>Hayley alleges they split in April after she told Will she was pregnant.</span><br /><br /><span>In a statement, she revealed she had “decided to keep the baby, because I have enough love for this child with or without a biological father. I will be enough for him or her.”</span><br /><br /><span>In a follow-up statement posted to social media, Hayley admitted she had been “absolutely terrified” to come forward and share her story.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842750/will-dwyer-hayley-love-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ac984a25d9264646bbd3a3f8ca94489c" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hayley at her first ultrasound. Image: Instagram</em></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span>After weeks of blind items about a “<em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> pregnancy scandal”, the story hit FWAW fans like a bomb yesterday.</span><br /><br /><span>“I started my relationship with Farmer Will in December, before the reunion episode was filmed a few weeks later in January,” Hayley wrote in her statement on Thursday.</span><br /><br /><span>“He told me he wasn’t with Jaimee, and Jaimee was in contact with me before the reunion,” she added.</span><br /><br /><span>“We’d started chatting online. (Then) I visited him at his house in Longwood and when our sexual relationship started, he told me he had feelings for me and I had feelings for him.</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842748/will-dwyer-hayley-love-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/61fbd80a1e084d3e9534683d7a6483a4" /><br /><br /><span>“From there, I saw him as often as I could, staying at his house for a few days at a time.”</span><br /><br /><span>It is understood Farmer Will and Jaimee will still appear together in the reunion episode.</span><br /><br /><span>The reunion will air on Seven on August 11.</span></p>

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