Samantha Armytage has finally been confirmed as the host of The Golden Bachelor after weeks of speculation.
The former Channel Seven star, 48, is officially moving to rival network Nine and will be helming the brand new Australian Bachelor spin-off dating show in 2025.
The outgoing Farmer Wants A Wife host shocked fans in August when she stepped down from Seven after 21 years, with rumours rife about her next step.
And, her new TV gig on The Golden Bachelor was finally unveiled at Nine’s Upfronts, where the network’s schedule of 2025 programming was unveiled to invited guests.
‘I think you’re all going to love this. It’s love for the golden ages,’ Samantha said in a video interview with 9Entertainment.
‘When I got the call to join the show, I didn’t hesitate. [The Golden Bachelor] has been huge in America, and I have a feeling it’s gonna be huge in Australia, too.’
‘We are beyond thrilled to welcome Samantha Armytage to Nine as the new host for our quest for love, the Golden Bachelor, where everyone deserves a second chance at love,’ Nine’s Chief Marketing Officer Liana Dubois added.
The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor series, but differs in that the contestants of the reality dating show are people in their 50s and 60s.
Samantha Armytage has finally been confirmed as the host of The Golden Bachelor after weeks of speculation (pictured in a promo for the show)
The outgoing Farmer Wants A Wife host shocked fans in August when she stepped down from Seven after 21 years, with rumours rife about her next step
‘You’re young at heart, you feel like an adventure, you’re looking for some romance and you’re looking for real love, this is about finding real love,’ Samantha said of the show’s concept.
A synopsis added: ‘In this heartwarming series, one charming Golden Bachelor embarks on a heartfelt journey to find a soulmate, with Sam guiding him every step of the way as he seeks a partner who can share the joys and adventures of life’s later chapters.’
Warner Bros Australia first sparked speculation about a local version of the show in November 2023 when they put out a fall for ‘fun, active, and outgoing male seniors aged 60 or over who are divorced/widowed’ to take part in a new dating series.
Casting is currently open for the 2025 series of The Golden Bachelor, with Samantha urging people to give their family members a ‘nudge’ to find their second chance at love.
‘We want to hear from you or anyone who would like to nominate someone they know to take part in the show. We want to celebrate love at every age and show that when it comes to finding love and romance, age is just a number,’ they added.
The first US version of The Golden Bachelor starred father-of-two and widower Gerry Turner, 72, with a Golden Bachelorette version then launching with widow Joan Vassos, 61, looking to find love.
The US version of the show has been wildly successful, with its finale garnering 6.1million viewers, making it the most watched final episode of the American Bachelor series since 2021.
Samantha’s involvement in the new reality TV show comes after weeks of speculation that she was joining the franchise and had signed a deal with Nine.
Her new TV gig on The Golden Bachelor was unveiled at Nine’s Upfronts, where the network’s schedule of 2025 programming was unveiled to invited guests
The Golden Bachelor is a spin-off of The Bachelor series, but differs in that the contestants of the reality dating show are people in their 50s and 60s
The first US version of The Golden Bachelor starred father-of-two and widower Gerry Turner (pictured with Leslie Fhima on the show), 72, and it was hugely popular on ABC
An insider described Samantha’s new hosting job as a ‘smart move’ and said she was ‘well-suited’ to the concept after ‘breathing new life’ into Seven’s dating show FWAW.
Her new Nine contract is rumoured to be worth a ‘significant amount,’ according to sources, but no exact numbers have been released.
The report scuttled rumours that previous Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg would make a return to the franchise.
Samantha’s huge career move is the ultimate swipe at her former workplace Seven as she has moved over to their rival network.
Stepping out at Upfronts, Samantha sported her very own revenge dress in a high-neck red midi gown which a keyhole cutout on the neckline.
Samantha gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of metallic silver heels and toted her essentials in a coordinated handbag.
The TV favourite accessorised her elegant ensemble with a pair of gold hoop earrings and opted for a high-glamour make-up palette.
The Aussie household name announced her departure from Seven in August after 21 years with the network.
Samantha became the face of popular dating show Farmer Wants A Wife last year after first appearing as a guest host alongside former presenter Natalie Gruzlewski.
But she shocked fans of the franchise in August by announcing she was quitting Seven after 21 years.
She was hit by rumours in recent weeks that she had inked a deal with Channel Nine to host new Bachelor spin-off show The Golden Bachelor
Hinting at her involvement with a Nine show, Samantha was all smiles as she put on a very glamorous appearance in her gorgeous revenge dress
Samantha’s reported involvement in The Golden Bachelor has poured cold water over rumours that former Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg would be returning for the program
Also in attendance at Nine Upfronts – which will unveil the network’s 2025 programming – was Sylvia Jeffreys, who cut a sophisticated figure in a smart red suit
Sophie Monk also made sure all eyes were on her as she made her bombshell arrival at the exclusive invite-only luncheon
The Love Island Australia host, 44, put on a very leggy display in a pink mini dress, which she teamed with a pair of statement metallic heeled slip-ons
She accessorised her glamorous look with a pair of hoop earrings and made sure to turn heads while posing up a storm for the cameras
Describing the departure as ‘sad and bittersweet,’ Sam told The Daily Telegraph that she felt her time had come to an end and that she was excited about her future.
‘I’m big on instinct. I listen to my instinct. I know when the time comes. I am proud of the fact that I back myself enough to say: ‘I’ve done what I can do here’ and I move on,’ she said.
‘This is not the end. It’s just the end of this chapter.’
Stepping out at the Upfronts to mark her new chapter on Thursday, Samantha led the celebrity arrivals as a whole host of notable TV stars also made an appearance at the glitzy affair.
Also in attendance was Sylvia Jeffreys, who cut a sophisticated figure in a smart red suit.
The Today Extra with David Campbell co-host, 38, showed off her signature sense of style in a smart black blazer and tailored trousers, styled with a vest top.
She added to her frame with a pair of strapped black heels and let her outfit do all the talking as she kept her accessories minimal.
Sophie Monk also made sure all eyes were on her as she made her bombshell arrival at the exclusive invite-only luncheon.
Entertainment journalist Peter Ford weighed into the debate, tipping that the host of the Australian version of the ABC US smash hit will be none other than Samantha.
Elsewhere, The Block’s Shelley Craft oozed elegance in a high-neck black gown while Deborah Knight was also the picture of sophistication in another black dress
Allison Langdon was all smiles as she joined her colleagues at the event, looking stunning in a red dress and nude heels
Morning TV icon Karl Stefanovic made sure to put on a very suave display in a navy dapper suit and a spotted black and white tie
Married At First Sight expert Alessandra Rampolla put on a very elegant display in an off-the-shoulder satin beige dress, which she teamed with clear heels
Amber Sherlock pulled out all the stops in an elegant white gown while Amelia Adams sported a smart black jumpsuit for the occasion
Belinda Russell put on a very vibrant display in a colourful purple suit as she posed up a storm for the cameras
Renee Bargh also showed off her growing baby bump in a fitted black and white dress as she posed cradling her stomach. She is currently expecting her second child
Liz Hayes looked effortlessly stylish in a baby blue suit and white stiletto heels and appeared to be in jovial form as she smiled for the cameras
Peter Overton appeared to be having a good time as he cut some playful poses while posing up a storm upon his arrival
Married At First Sight’s John Atkins cut a dapper figure in a black three-piece suit as he showed off his fashion credentials
Actress Rachel Griffiths showed off her fashion sense in an oversized blazer with belt detailing, which she teamed with wide leg trousers and heels. She also sported a brace on one arm
The Block’s host Scotty Cam also showed his support for his network as he stepped out at Upfronts ahead of the channel’s exciting scheduling program being revealed
Ben Fordham also cut a suave figure in a white shirt and black trousers, which he paired with a grey blazer and dark Chelsea boots
Tara Brown cut a stylish figure in a pleated white dress with a blazer-style bodice and toted her essentials in a quirky silver handbag
The Block’s Shaynna and Darren Palmer were joined by Marty Fox as they all smiled for some sweet group shots
Roger Corser was also among the guests and looked smart in a white shirt and dark trousers, which he teamed with a blazer and casual white trainers
The Love Island Australia host, 44, put on a very leggy display in a pink mini dress, which she teamed with a pair of statement metallic heeled slip-ons.
She accessorised her glamorous look with a pair of hoop earrings and made sure to turn heads while posing up a storm for the cameras.
Elsewhere, The Block’s Shelley Craft oozed elegance in a high-neck black gown with a billowing skirt as she flashed a huge grin for the cameras.
Also in attendance were the likes of Married At First Sight expert Alessandra Rampolla, TV presenter Deborah Knight and A Current Affair host Allison Langdon, among many others.
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