In a move that might just work with Karl Stefanovic’s reported ‘secret’ plan to get her on the big desk, Samantha Armytage has just announced her new gig working with the Today crew.
Nine has confirmed the new 2025 and 2026 summer line-up and The Golden Bachelor host featured as part of a few familiar faces who will be taking to the newsdesk on some of their popular morning programs.
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“9 Network announced its summer hosting line-up for Today, with a fresh mix of familiar faces set to wake up Australia while Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo take their break,” the press release reads.
Kicking off the festive season will be Today Extra regulars David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys before Armytage, 49, teams up with popular radio personality Michael “Wippa” Wipfli.
Sam and Wippa will lead the Today Extra crew from mid-December.
When Sam and Wippa finish their run at the end of 2025, network journalists and reporters Alison Piotrowski, Dr Nick Coatsworth, Joel Dry and Jayne Azzopardi, will take the reigns to tackle fresh 2026 news.
The weekend roster throughout the summer will also include Lara Vella, Michael Atkinson, Dan Anstey and Lizzie Pearl.
Sam’s new move comes as whispers have circulated of a greater plan in the works, reportedly championed by Karl himself, to have Sam move permanently to the Today show.
As reported by news.com.au in October, the long-time breakfast host has been cultivating his former Sunrise rival as a prospective future on-screen partner for around a decade.
The association began around 2013 when the woman who manages Karl’s career, Sharon Finnigan, signed Armytage to her talent stable.
It was reported at the time that Karl had played a key role in enticing Sam into his manager’s stable, and while she didn’t stay with the same management team, Sam and Karl have maintained a strong friendship away from the camera.
Of course, it’s not the first time Sam has dabbled into the Today world, reportedly impressing studio bosses after her 2024/2025 summer stint – hence her invite to return.
Despite the whispers, Karl Stefanovic is confirmed to be returning with Today co-host Sarah Abo on Monday, January 19, 2026.
