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Aussie Olympic legend announces fifth pregnancy

<p>Aussie Olympic champion Libby Trickett has announced that she is expecting her fifth child with husband Luke. </p> <p>The swimming legend shared her joyous news on Instagram on Friday with an ultrasound image and the caption: “Luke and I are absolutely thrilled (and ever so slightly terrified) to announce that we will be welcoming Baby Trickett 5.0 into the world in April."</p> <p>“Poppy is already excited for another baby, Eddie thinks it will be a little boy, Bronte thinks it will be a little girl and Alfie keeps pointing to my tummy and saying ‘baby’ but really has no idea what’s he’s in for.”</p> <p>The four-time Olympic gold medallist added that this will be her final pregnancy.</p> <p>She wrote: “We must be slightly unhinged or suckers for punishment. Probably both” and then added: “I really, really promise this is absolutely it”.</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/DCGpbIivSuT/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/DCGpbIivSuT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Libby Trickett (@libby_trickett)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fellow olympians and friends took to the comments to congratulate the couple. </p> <p>“Amazing!!!!!!! Big families are the best” Olympian Jana Pittman commented. </p> <p>“This is Olympian level parenting!! Congratulations," added Neuroscientist Dr Sarah McKay.</p> <p>“The world needs more people raised in warm, loving homes. I am so thrilled for you all, Lib. You’ve got this. And we’ve all got you," wrote author Rebecca Sparrow. </p> <p>Trickett and her husband already share four children - daughters Poppy, eight, Edwina, five, and Bronte, three, and a son, Alfred, 18 months.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Why Sam Armytage left Seven

<p>Sam Armytage has revealed the reason why she left the Seven Network after more than 20 years of working with them. </p> <p>In a candid interview with 2GB's Ben Fordham, the journalist revealed why she left the network shortly after hosting F<em>armer Wants A Wife</em>. </p> <p>“Look, I just had enough,” she said on Friday morning. </p> <p>“I’ve done it for a long time — you know what those hours are like, it is quite gruelling.”</p> <p>Armytage, who was also a presenter for the network's morning show, <em>Sunrise</em>, said she “used to get a lot of attention” from the show and it became "pretty full on". </p> <p>“I just needed a break,” she said.</p> <p>“The time was right and life had changed. I just got married, my mum had died, everything had changed and I knew the time was right.</p> <p>“I’d had enough, and you know I like a good horse metaphor — I’d ridden it to the top, I’d done all I could do and it was good time to step out.”</p> <p>The beloved presenter is not leaving the small screen anytime soon, as she is now set to host Nine's new TV show <em>The Golden Bachelor</em>. </p> <p>“This is a fresh start for me after 21 years at the old network, here I am … This new show is going to be great fun,” she said on the radio show. </p> <p>While talking about the show, she said that she has a lot of faith in its potential, saying: “It’s going to be really great fun, it’s going to be hilarious, but I also think we’ve got some space for some really poignant stories here because we are looking for people in their 50s and 60s, maybe even into their 70s who have loved before and want to love again.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Hunt for Australia's first Golden Bachelor begins

<p>While former <em>Sunrise </em>host Samantha Armytage has been confirmed to host Nine's new reality series <em>The Golden Bachelor,</em> there are still a few major roles to fill. </p> <p>The bachelor and all the women needed for the series are yet to be found, but one well-known businessman is believed to be a leading contender for the show. </p> <p>“We are looking for Australia’s first Golden Bachelor and many incredible women who want to find love again,” read the official casting website. </p> <p>Nine are looking for people aged between 60 and 75 years old who are “looking for the last great love” of their life, live in Australia and are single. </p> <p>“Do you know someone in their golden years who deserves one more shot at their happily ever after?” the casting notice read. </p> <p>According to TV Blackbox expert Steve Molk, “Mark Bouris is being touted as their guy.” </p> <p>Bouris, 68, is a podcaster for <em>Straight Talk</em> and a former host of Nine's <em>The Celebrity Apprentice</em>. </p> <p>Molk added that it's not uncommon for a network to create buzz with the announcement “in the hope it will help shake the trees for prospective applicants to flock and submit their audition”.</p> <p>Although Nine has yet to confirm their broadcast date, Molk believes that it's likely to air mid next year. </p> <p>“This gives them time to cast and film while still showing partners why they would want to drop their cash with Nine."</p> <p>Armytage said the Australian version of the show has “got a different spin”. </p> <p>“This is for people who are looking for love again, who’ve got some miles on their tyres and are ready to fall in love again,” she told Nine's <em>Today</em> on October 29. </p> <p>“These are people with life experience. There’s going to be some great stories here, some kind of sad stories in some.</p> <p>“We’re looking for a happy fairytale ending.”</p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

Babyfaced Sam Armytage unrecognisable in resurfaced clip

<p>Aussie TV presenter Sam Armytage appears unrecognisable in a resurfaced clip. </p> <p>A video has emerged of a baby-faced Armytage early on in her media career, presenting for news for WIN in Canberra in the '90s.</p> <p>Armytage appeared on the <em>Today</em> show on Monday morning to discuss the launch of Nine's new reality series <em>The Golden Bachelor,</em> which she will host.</p> <p>It didn't take long before <em>Today</em> host Karl Stefanovic teased her with a throwback video. </p> <p>“You were part of the Nine family going way back to the early ’60s, have a look at this,” Stefanovic joked.</p> <p>Today co-host Sarah Abo and Armytage laughed as footage of a younger Armytage appeared onscreen wearing a white blazer and rocking a bob cut. </p> <p>Abo told Armytage “you haven’t changed at all!”</p> <p>“Oh darling, thank you. Listen to that little high-pitched voice — I was a baby,” Armytage replied.</p> <p>Armytage's new stint comes just months after she left the Seven Network, where she was previously the host for another reality TV show, <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em>.</p> <p>The show will air in 2025, with Armytage explaining that it is a similar show to<em> The Bachelor</em> that Aussies love but with a focus on those in their 50s and 60s. </p> <p>“This is bringing it forward to the golden ages, as we like to call it. We’re all heading towards some of this faster than others,” Armytage joked before announcing that they're currently casting. </p> <p>“What we’re looking for here is a Golden Bachelor, most likely in his 60s, and some ladies who will be in their 50s or 60s … because we’re casting now.</p> <p>“This is for people who are looking for love again, so people who’ve got some miles on their tyres who are ready to fall in love again.”</p> <p>She said there would be some “great stories” along with some “kind of sad” ones; however, the aim is for a “happy fairytale ending”.</p> <p>Stefanovic then joked that it was a shame Richard Wilkins was “off the market” before adding he was shocked people over the age of 50 were “so active”.</p> <p>“It’s shocking. I just feel like it’s like a lot to look at on the TV,” Stefanovic said, admitting that he'd watched the US version of the show that debuted last year. </p> <p>“I just find some of it confronting in a physical way.”</p> <p>Abo and Armytage were quick to cut off Stefanovic's train of thought before it went down “a path perhaps that we don’t want it to go down”.</p> <p>“I know what you’re talking about, but I don’t think it’s confronting. I think it’s lovely,” Armytage said.</p> <p>“I think that it’s life. It is. And there’s a huge percentage of the population in this age bracket who are active and looking for love.”</p> <p><em>Images: Today</em></p> <p> </p>

Sam Armytage breaks silence on Golden Bachelor

<p>After months of speculation about her potential new role, Samantha Armytage has confirmed she will be the host of <em>The Golden Bachelor</em>, hitting screens in 2025. </p> <p>Armytage said she is delighted to "be part of the Nine family" after her long-running career with Channel Seven, as she shared her excitement about the upcoming show that has already taken American audiences by storm. </p> <p>"I think you're all going to love this. It's love for the golden ages," Armytage said. </p> <p>"This show is about finding love for those who have lost love, or are looking for love a second time around. It's going to be beautiful and I can't wait."</p> <p>The show will see one charming <em>Golden Bachelor </em>embark on a heartfelt journey to find a soulmate, with Samantha guiding him every step of the way as he seeks a partner who can share the joys and adventures of life's later chapters.</p> <p>The show was announced at Channel 9's annual Upfronts events alongside its dazzling new host, who said she was excited to start the new hosting gig. </p> <p>"When I got the call to join the show, I didn't hesitate," she said. "[<em>The Golden Bachelor</em>] has been huge in America, and I have a feeling it's gonna be huge in Australia, too."</p> <p>Now that the show and host have been announced, attention has turned to finding Australia's first <em>Golden Bachelor</em> and the women he'll date to find true love.</p> <p>Armytage explained: "<em>The Golden Bachelor</em> is an extension of the original format but for people in their 50s and 60s, so we're appealing to the Golden Ages and people who have had love in the past and now want to find another love – a new love."</p> <p>"You're young at heart. You feel like an adventure. You're looking for some romance and you're looking for real love," she said. "This is about finding real love."</p> <p>Armytage is also encouraging young adults with parents or even grandparents who might be open to love to apply, saying, "This is going to be a great show, and you are really gonna wanna be part of this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

Samantha Armytage hints at major career news

<p>Samantha Armytage has hinted at a major change, following reports that the former <em>Seven</em> star has joined rival network <em>Nine</em>. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">The former <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> host </span>teased her new gig as she was being interviewed by <em>The Daily Telegraph </em>at The Everest in Sydney over the weekend. </p> <p>Last week, it was reported that Armytage had signed a deal with Nine to host the Australian version of the dating show <em>The Golden Bachelor</em> in the coming year. </p> <p>The publication also revealed that the deal is believed to be worth a significant amount, with insiders confirming the news to them. </p> <p>When asked whether she had signed with <em>Nine</em>, the TV veteran remained coy, saying with a smile: "Look, watch this space. Exciting times ahead."</p> <p>The news reportedly comes after months of negotiation between the TV star and her new network. </p> <p>"There was a bit of back and forth, but I believe the contract has been signed" an insider told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em> last week.</p> <p>The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of <em>The Bachelor</em> series, but the contestants of the show are senior citizens instead. </p> <p>"This is a smart move for Sam and Nine. She is well suited to this gig and breathed new life into <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>," the insider added. </p> <p>Armytage announced her departure from Seven in August after 21 years with the network. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Samantha Armytage's big new move

<p>Just weeks after Sam Armytage announced she would be leaving Channel Seven for good, her rumoured new role has been revealed. </p> <p>According to entertainment journalist Peter Ford, the former<em> Farmer Wants A Wife</em> presenter is tipped to be hosting the highly-anticipated Australian version of <em>The Golden Bachelor</em>, which is set to premiere on Channel Nine in 2025.</p> <p>Nine Network announced the Australian version of the <em>Golden Bachelor</em> at its annual Upfronts event in October: a spin-off of the popular dating series featuring senior citizens finding love.</p> <p>When discussing who would be the face of the new program, Ford wrote on social media, If I was a betting man I’d put money on @sam_armytage.” </p> <p>“She’s now a free agent after leaving 7 and has been clear she was interested in new opportunities.”</p> <p>Armytage is not the only media personality tipped to be the host of <em>The Golden Bachelor</em>, as an insider previously revealed that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/sonia-kruger-in-talks-for-surprise-reboot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonia Kruger could be interested in the role</a>.</p> <p>“The word on the street is that Sonia could reboot <em>The Golden Bachelo</em>r on Channel Nine in 2025,” the source shared. “Channel Nine loved working with Sonia and everyone would welcome her back with open arms. There is a real bidding war which will see two networks keen to lock her services down in the new year."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Sam Armytage's shock departure from Seven

<p>Samantha Armytage has announced that she is leaving the Seven Network after 21 years. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>"21 is a coming-of-age," she began in the post. </p> <p>"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."</p> <p>The <em>Farmer Wants A Wife </em>host will bid farewell to the television network in October when her contract expires.</p> <p>According to the<em> Daily Telegraph</em>, she was offered another contract with the network but declined the offer. </p> <p>“It’s a little sad and it’s bittersweet, but the time has come,” Armytage told the outlet.</p> <p>“I leave with lots of goodwill in my heart and excitement about the future.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“This is not the end. It’s just the end of this chapter.”</p> <p>She said that the reason why she chose to leave the network was because she wanted to "feel fulfilled". </p> <p>“I had to sit with myself here and ask, ‘What does my next five to 10 years look like?” she told the<em> </em><em>Daily Telegraph</em>.</p> <p>“I’m 47, so it was a bit of a stocktake. I’m still productive. I want to make good TV.”</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/C-O0gONTW11/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/C-O0gONTW11/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The beloved presented has been the host of <em>Farmer Wants A Wife</em> for the past two years, after moving from her role as a host on<em> Sunrise</em>, which she held of eight years. </p> <p>The Seven network have also released a statement confirming her departure. </p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“Sam has made a remarkable contribution to Seven over more than two decades, from 7NEWS and Sunrise to, more recently, Farmer Wants A Wife.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>“We wish Sam – and her farmer – every happiness and success for the future.”</p> <p>The move comes after several high-profile staff exits at the network amid their restructure. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Grisly find in Sam Armytage's surgery

<p>Samantha Armytage has revealed the grisly find doctors made when she underwent hip replacement <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sam-armytage-in-hospital-for-major-surgery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surgery</a>. </p> <p><em>The Farmer Wants A Wife </em>host, 47, took to Instagram to share a photo of a piece of cartilage surgeons removed from her joint during the surgery. </p> <p>“Do you want to see something disgusting from my recent operation?” she began with a warning to more squeamish followers. </p> <p>“Lol. I knew you’d all look,” she continued.</p> <p>“This is a 3cm chunk of rock-like cartilage that’s been floating around inside my hip joint for decades. As my surgeon said; ‘you must have been in soooooo much pain!’ I was.”</p> <p>The TV star previously said that she had a skiing accident 30 years ago, which took a toll on her right hip. </p> <p>“I’d torn all the cartilage out,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.</p> <p>“It was bone-on-bone and then became full of severe osteoarthritis.”</p> <p>“I’m now truly bionic and my nearest and dearest are pleased to not have to watch me limp around in pain anymore,” Armytage said.</p> <p>“Huge thanks to the wonderful nurses (at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney) for the care, a lil’ bit of Endone … heaps of rehab and all my beautiful friends for my flower-filled room!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Body

Sam Armytage in hospital for major surgery

<p>Former <em>Sunrise </em>host Samantha Armytage has undergone major hip replacement surgery following a severe case of osteoarthritis. The 47-year-old TV personality shared her journey on Instagram on Tuesday, posting photos from St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney.</p> <p>Armytage revealed in a detailed caption that she had been struggling with osteoarthritis after tearing the cartilage in her right hip. This condition, a degenerative joint disease, causes the tissues in the joint to break down over time and is more prevalent among older individuals.</p> <p>Reflecting on her experience, the host of <em>The Farmer Wants a Wife</em> explained that the hip replacement was necessary to address the bone-on-bone friction and the severe osteoarthritis. Despite the challenges, she reassured her followers that her recovery is progressing well.</p> <p>"Hip, hip hooray. New hip, new me, no worries," she wrote. "A few weeks ago, I had a total hip replacement. After a very active, outdoorsy childhood (& a skiing accident 30 years ago), I'd torn all the cartilage out of my right hip. It was bone-on-bone & then became full of severe osteoarthritis. I'm so proud of how strong my body is & how well I've healed. I'm now truly bionic...& my nearest & dearest are pleased to not have to watch me limp around in pain anymore."</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/C85u8pqPlGS/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/C85u8pqPlGS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Armytage extended her gratitude to the medical staff and her loved ones, adding a touch of humour by sharing a photo of herself with a bit of Endone, a pain relief medication. She also praised her surgeon, Dr Michael Solomon, highlighting that hip replacements are common in Australia, with approximately 54,000 performed each year.</p> <p>Her post quickly garnered support from friends and fans alike. Presenter Kylie Gillies suggested a celebratory purchase, writing, "I think this deserves a new pair of Jimmy Choos …just to kick up those old heels and new hip! Glad to hear it’s gone well x" Meanwhile, singer Ricki-Lee Coulter expressed her encouragement, saying, "You’ll be dancing in no time. Sending you love xxx"</p> <p>Fans also chimed in with well wishes and supportive messages. One commented, "Good luck with the recovery and welcome to the Hip New Hip Gals Club," while another noted, "Oh a bit young for that Sam. Good luck on your recovery."</p> <p>Recovery from hip replacement surgery can be a lengthy process, often requiring dedicated physiotherapy. However, with her positive outlook and the support of her community, Samantha Armytage is well on her way to a full recovery.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Samantha Armytage lists lavish holiday home

<p>Samantha Armytage has listed her stunning holiday home in Hyams Beach for $3.2 million.</p> <p>The<em> Farmer Wants A Wife </em>host previously leased the lavish three-bedroom, two-bathroom property as a holiday rental for $1200 a night.</p> <p>Armytage bought property which sits on 658sqm of land in 2018 for $1.765 million, and she has extensively renovated the property since, which includes adding a new roof and redesigning the interiors. </p> <p>The property boasts plenty of natural light, and is just minutes away from Hyams Beach, which you can see from the balcony of the home. </p> <p>All the rooms feature plenty of natural light, with the master bedroom boasting ocean-views, which makes it perfect for families or couples looking for a holiday home. </p> <p>The home has a cottage aesthetic, with bright white walls and floorboards, that when combined with bamboo tables, woven storage baskets, and neutral-coloured furniture looks like the ideal beach retreat. </p> <p>It also features a large private backyard with an outdoor entertaining area and pergola. </p> <p>Armytage previously sold her $2.8 million Bondi home in 2020, the same year she got married to Richard Lavender. </p> <p>Her and Lavender have relocated to the Southern Highlands and are currently living on a 40-hectare farm in Berrima, which Richard purchased in 2007 for $ 1.95 million.</p> <p><em>Images: realestate.com.au / Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Real Estate

Sam Armytage opens up on interview with Russell Brand

<p>In light of recent accusations against the comedian and entertainer, Samantha Armytage recently revisited her unforgettable 2009 television encounter with what she described as the charismatic but somewhat "touchy-feely" Russell Brand.</p> <p>Reminiscing about the interview that took place during Brand's peak fame while he was touring Australia, Armytage <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">candidly acknowledged that the experience was "pretty full-on".</span></p> <p>"Obviously, he was always rather outrageous in his persona," Armytage told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/flashback/sam-armytage-spills-on-infamous-russell-brand-interview/news-story/846c856fa73dab665e3e9dfb983fa320" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph's Confidential</a>. "But I do recall him being very touchy-feely, which was quite intense considering I didn't know him personally."</p> <p>During the interview segment, viewers witnessed Brand's playful antics, including seductively biting into a banana and engaging in light flirtation with the Seven Network presenter. He complimented Armytage, telling her she was "gorgeous".</p> <p>"If you were on my television when I was a teenage boy, it would mess me up. I think you are gorgeous," Brand remarked.</p> <p>Blushing, Armytage responded with a compliment of her own, calling him "kind". Brand, with his characteristic humour, swiftly replied, "It ain't kind... it's just a bit rude."</p> <p>Recent discussions have resurrected clips of other prominent Australian presenters, such as TV and radio host Fifi Box and Nine journalist Liz Hayes, engaging in similar playful banter with Brand. However, Armytage is the first to publicly comment on these encounters, which comes at a time when Brand faces allegations of misconduct, rape and sexual assault.</p> <p>It's important to note that Brand has categorically denied all allegations made against him. These accusations surfaced in a joint investigation published by <em>The Sunday Times</em> of London, the <em>Times</em> of London, and Channel 4 Dispatches. Four women have accused Brand of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse during the height of his fame from 2006 to 2013.</p> <p>In response to the allegations, Brand released a video statement, vehemently denying what he called "very serious criminal allegations". He insisted that any encounters during his "promiscuous" period were consensual and claimed that he was the target of a "coordinated media attack".</p> <p>As a consequence of these allegations, numerous major organisations have distanced themselves from Brand. Media reports have indicated that episodes of popular UK reality shows, including <em>Big Brother</em>, <em>The Great British Bake Off</em>, and the comedy quiz show <em>QI</em> have been removed from streaming services, years after their initial release.</p> <p>Additionally, London's Metropolitan Police confirmed <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/london-police-receive-even-older-russell-brand-sexual-assault-allegation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that they received a report</a> of an alleged assault involving Brand, though it appears to be distinct from the four victims previously reported in the media.</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 7</em></p>

Sam Armytage hits back at “feud” rumours

<p dir="ltr">Samantha Armytage has responded to the clickbait articles claiming that there is a “feud” between her and former <em>Sunrise </em>co-host David Koch after her noticeable absence at his farewell lunch.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Channel 7 </em>star took to Instagram to respond to a headline that originally ran in the <em>Daily Mail</em>, which read: “Sure there’s no feud? Samantha Armytage noticeably skips David Koch’s farewell lunch as the departing Sunrise host is joined by Natalie Barr, Mel Doyle and Larry Emdur for the star-studded send-off”.</p> <p dir="ltr">She posted a screenshot of the article which she called “nasty” and “wrong”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Rich & I had to attend a funeral yesterday after I appeared on Sunrise,” she explained, “I was invited to Kochie’s farewell lunch and had to politely decline.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Usually, I ignore the Daily Mail nonsense, (& I realise posting like this only gives them oxygen) but these multiple, daily attacks are absurd.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could have told them my plans, if only they’d asked 🤪 (not that it’s any of their business!) then perhaps they wouldn’t have to make things up. But perhaps that wouldn’t suit their narrative,” she added.</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/CtTNWbhR_jc/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CtTNWbhR_jc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Samantha Armytage ⭐️ (@sam_armytage)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Armytage did make a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kochie-s-emotional-farewell-on-sunrise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surprise appearance</a> on <em>Sunrise</em> last Friday, to pay tribute to her former colleague’s journey on the show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her response came a few days after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kochie-addresses-feud-rumours-with-sam-armytage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kochie addressed the rumours</a> of a falling out between him and his former co-host, while on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O</em> show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Many fans were supportive of Armytage’s decision to speak up for herself.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Good on you for calling them out Sam,” wrote one person.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Go girl!!👏” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Well said Sam,” wrote a third.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Sunrise</em></p>

Kochie’s emotional farewell on Sunrise

<p><em>Sunrise </em>host David Koch bid an emotional farewell to the show in his final episode on Friday morning.</p> <p>After 21 years on the job and hosting over 5,300 episodes, Kochie received a hero’s welcome when he entered the studio at 7am that morning.</p> <p>The veteran host teared up as co-host Natalie Barr, newsreader Edwina Bartholomew and sports presenter Mark Beretta greeted him at the desk.</p> <p>“Thank you for everything. Thank you. Oh dear. Quick, I’ve got to [read] the news,” Koch said, while he wiped away his tears.</p> <p>Not long after, Kochie confessed that he was distracted by the text messages sent by <em>Nine’s Today Show</em> host, Karl Stefanovic and shared their banter.</p> <p>“I asked him if he had a Sportsbet booked on me crying on the show, and he said, ‘No, my missus closed my account last year when I bet on the camel races in Dubai,’” he said.</p> <p>To which co-host Nat Barr quipped: “Well, as we walked in, you were already crying, so someone won some money.”</p> <p>Later on in the show, former co-host Sam Armytage, who left the show in 2021, made a surprise guest appearance and shared her well-wishes for Kochie.</p> <p>“This job is so incredibly difficult, and you can’t say it when you’re in the job, because no one wants to hear you complaining. But when you’re not in the job anymore, you can say how hard this is,” she said.</p> <p>Armytage recalled her own experiences of working at the breakfast TV show before commending Kochie for his resilience and drive.</p> <p>“There is so much scrutiny. To get up day after day and do this: the resilience, the drive, the ability, the energy to just keep coming in here every day and do that is extraordinary.</p> <p>“I absolutely salute you. After eight years, I couldn’t do it anymore. 21 I just think it’s extraordinary.”</p> <p>Both Kochie and Barr sat on the sofa across from Armytage, and her appearance comes days after Kochie <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/kochie-addresses-feud-rumours-with-sam-armytage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">addressed the rumours of a feud</a> between him and Armytage.</p> <p>Mel Doyle, who was Kochie’s co-host from 2002-2013 also made a surprise appearance and shared stories about their humble beginnings.</p> <p>“Remember when we bet our boss to take us to lunch if we hit 40,000 viewers?” she asked about the program’s early days. Kochie added that when their show first began their office was “a demountable in the car park.”</p> <p>Kochie and Barr also sat down for an emotional final interview where they reminisced the highlights of his career.</p> <p>“Really, thanks for everything,” Barr told Kochie, while tearing up.</p> <p><em>Images: Channel Seven/ Sunrise</em></p>

Kochie addresses feud rumours with Sam Armytage

<p dir="ltr">David Koch has addressed the rumours of a falling out with his former <em>Sunrise</em> co-host, Sam Armytage for the first time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kochie responded to the rumours while appearing as a guest on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em> on Wednesday morning, after the radio hosts grilled him about reports of their strained relationship.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rumours spread after Armytage left<em> Sunrise</em> in March 2021 and hosted a lavish farewell lunch with some of her co-workers, with Kochie notably absent.</p> <p dir="ltr">The next day he publicly claimed that he “didn’t know about it [happening].”</p> <p dir="ltr">But on Wednesday, Kochie told Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O that he “didn’t think” he was on “bad terms” with Armytage.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No, I don’t think … We didn’t end on bad terms,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">When asked if Kochie had spoken to her ever since he evaded the question and answered with: “Don’t forget she very publicly said she wanted to get out of the media, and that scrutiny.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She sent me a really nice note on the announcement. As did Mel,” he added, revealing the well-wishes from his former co-hosts.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I think I’m seeing Sam tonight at a function. I saw Mel at Fashion Week and sat next to her there.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Armytage and Kochie hosted the breakfast show together for eight years between 2013–2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rumours had started after there were relentless reports about Armytage being estranged from the Seven cast and crew.</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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>

“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>

Sam Armytage's biggest "regret" from her time on Sunrise

<p>Samantha Armytage has opened up her decision to quit her hosting gig at <em>Sunrise</em> on her own terms, while sharing her one "regret" from her time on the Channel Seven morning show. </p> <p>Armytage, now the host of <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>, left the breakfast program in March 2021, and has shared how the role took a toll on her mental health. </p> <p>Ahead of the <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em> premiere, Armytage told <a href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/reality-tv/farmer-wants-a-wife/why-did-sam-armytage-leave-sunrise-77314" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>TV Week</em></a> why she decided to leave <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>"It was a huge risk, absolutely – and I did worry about that," she told the publication.</p> <p>"But I knew at that time that I had to make big changes for my own happiness and sanity."</p> <p>"I'm proud of myself that I made that jump into the complete unknown, because I didn't know what would come after that."</p> <p>"I also have several regrets about [moments] when I didn't stick up for myself," she added. "I've had time away now from that spotlight and I regret not standing up for myself more."</p> <p>Sam also admitted that she "put up with a lot of cr*p", especially during her time at <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>"When it all got too much, I had to step away," she revealed.</p> <p>At the time of her departure from <em>Sunrise</em>, Armytage said she was stepping down from her hosting role after eight years to spend more time with her husband. </p> <p>She broke down in tears at the end of her final broadcast as she accused "some aspects of the media" of treating her unfairly during her tenure. </p> <p>A month before her departure, she had reportedly upset her Seven colleagues by saying the TV industry was filled with "narcissists" and "sociopaths" in a scathing magazine article.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

"I sobbed in the paddock”: Sam Armytage's home life challenges

<p>Sam Armytage has revealed why she "sobbed in a paddock" recently, as she shared the trials and tribulations of life in the country. </p> <p>After the former <em>Sunrise</em> presenter quit the Channel 7 breakfast show, she moved to the NSW Southern Highlands with her horse-breeding farmer husband, Richard Lavender.</p> <p>The quaint town of Berrima boasts a different way of life to bustling Sydney and comes with its own unique hurdles, as Armytage told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/sam-armytage-reveals-why-she-sobbed-in-a-paddock-recently/news-story/21e80ca290d80db23f808e7f4c8453b5" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Daily Telegraph</em></a>. </p> <p>“We had to put down one of our most promising and sweet-natured racehorses last week, after he broke his leg in an accident. I sobbed in the paddock,” Armytage told the publication.</p> <p>Elsewhere in the interview, she also revealed the advice she’d give her 10-year-old self.</p> <p>“That the people who are mean to you throughout life are usually jealous of who you are – and what you have,” Armytage said.</p> <p>Just weeks ago, Armytage was announced as the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/sam-armytage-s-major-new-role" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new host</a> of <em>Farmer Wants a Wife</em>: a role previously held by Natalie Gruzlewski, who has hosted the series on-and-off ever since its debut in 2007.</p> <p>Her return to hosting duties comes after Armytage admitted she would never return to <em>Sunrise</em>. </p> <p>“I’d never go back. You don’t go backwards in life. You’ve got to keep going forward,” she said.</p> <p>She went on to say she senses “fear” in the media landscape these days, saying, “When I do listen to radio and TV, no-one’s actually saying what they mean.”</p> <p>“Everybody’s walking this tightrope because they fear they’ll say the wrong thing and the mob will descend on them, and that’s not journalism, and it’s not what I was paid to do back in the old days."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

So close! Sam Armytage’s huge property payday ... ALMOST

<p dir="ltr">Former <em>Sunrise</em> presenter Sam Armytage’s marriage to Richard Lavender has come at a significant personal financial cost.</p> <p dir="ltr">Three months after the couple got engaged and four months before their wedding, Armytage had sold her Burrawang weekender, Pear Tree Cottage, for $3.1m in August 2020.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former <em>Sunrise</em> presenter sold the stunning property to move in with Lavender into his farm at Berrima.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Pear Tree Cottage has been onsold to Max Johnston, the former chairman of Austcann, for a stunning $6m.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is a record price for acreage in the Southern Highlands village, and was sold by Vendor Patsy Peacock, a talent recruitment veteran.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Pear Tree Cottage, is a stunning five-bedroom, four-bathroom homestead with wraparound verandas, and an outdoor fireplace, that was built in 2001.</p> <p dir="ltr">The land size for the property is 20,239 m².</p> <p dir="ltr">Armytage had purchased the property in 2017 for $2.2m.</p> <p dir="ltr">Armytage had also sold her Bondi home to live with Lavender on his rural property, but she still has a city bolthole at Rushcutters Bay and a Hyams Beach retreat.</p> <p><em>Images: Realestate.com.au, Instagram</em></p>

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