Speculation is rife over who might host Channel Nine’s next show, The Golden Bachelor.
Entertainment journalist Peter Ford weighed in on the debate this week, revealing that the host of the Nine version of ABC’s hit US show will be none other than Samantha Armytage.
The popular presenter, 47, announced her departure from Seven in August after 21 years with the network.
Addressing X, Peter responded to a report about Internal media on the possible host, stating that it will almost certainly be the former director of Farmer Wants A Wife.
“If I were a betting man, I’d bet on @samarmytage,” Peter suggested.
‘She is now a free agent after leaving 7 and has made it clear that she was interested in new opportunities.’
The report itself debunked rumors that former Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg would be returning to the franchise.
“For those wondering if original Bachelor host Osher Gunsberg will be returning to the franchise, I have some very bad news,” host Rob McKnight began.
Respected entertainment journalist Peter Ford has given clues about Samantha Armytage
‘My sources say Osher has lost a Red Rose.’
Rob added that he will be replaced by a “popular, but surprising” TV presenter.
“And I can confirm, despite media speculation, that it is not Sonia Kruger,” he said.
Yahoo Lifestyle It was reported last week that Sonia could be preparing to leave Seven to host the latest iteration of the Bachelor franchise.
“Sonia is said to be set to reboot The Golden Bachelor on Channel Nine in 2025,” a source told the publication.
Rob said that while he couldn’t reveal anything for now, Osher’s replacement would “blow your mind.”
“If I were a betting man, I’d bet on @samarmytage,” Peter suggested on X. “She’s now a free agent after leaving 7 and has made it clear she was interested in new opportunities.”
Peter has responded to an Inside Media report which has rubbished suggestions that former presenter Osher Gunsberg or Sonia Kruger were the favourites to host the reality show. Pictured is Gerry Turner, the US’s eligible bachelor.
Black box television reported in August that Nine will formally announce an Australian version of The Golden Bachelor at its annual Upfronts event in October.
The original series, which aired on ABC in the United States, starred Gerry Turner, a 72-year-old retired restaurateur and widower.
Gerry decided to propose to 70-year-old Theresa Nist, and the network broadcast their wedding as a live special.
Despite the fanfare, the couple divorced three months later.
The series proved to be a ratings hit for ABC, with its finale reaching 6.1 million U.S. screens, giving the franchise its highest numbers in three years.
Host Rob McKnight joked that the presenter was a “very popular, but surprising, TV presenter who would blow your mind.”
Its premiere episode also set viewership records for ABC, Deadline reported, debuting as the highest-rated premiere on Hulu for any series in the franchise, and as ABC’s number one series premiere on the Live+3 streaming platform.
The publication also reported that the strength of Golden Bachelor has seen the franchise expand again with ABC announcing The Golden Bachelorette.
When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, a Channel Nine spokesperson said they would not confirm their 2025 programming until the Upfronts event in October.