Samantha Armytage warned against Golden Bachelor exit as rival TV favourites circle role

Samantha Armytage has been warned not to walk away from The Golden Bachelor as speculation continues to swirl over a potential blockbuster return to breakfast television.

The former Sunrise host, 50, has found herself at the centre of one of TV’s biggest guessing games amid ongoing chatter about the future of Channel Nine’s Today show.

But Daily Mail can reveal Armytage may soon have another problem on her hands.

If she decides to abandon The Golden Bachelor for a coveted breakfast TV role, there is no shortage of high-profile stars ready to step into her shoes.

Industry insiders say Channel Seven favourites Edwina Bartholomew and Sonia Kruger would instantly emerge as leading contenders to host the dating franchise should Armytage become unavailable.

‘Both would seriously look at it if the opportunity came up,’ one well-placed TV source said.

‘There would be a very long queue of women wanting that job.

‘Edwina and Sonia are exactly the sort of names you’d expect to be discussed if Sam wasn’t doing it. Neither would need much convincing if Nine came calling with the right offer.’

The warning comes as Daily Mail understands Nine has quietly overhauled The Golden Bachelor for its second season, transforming the wholesome dating experiment into a far more dramatic, competitive and explosive reality series.

Sources say Armytage has already told friends the revamped format feels like ‘a completely different show’.

‘The new female cast is much more dynamic and competitive,’ an insider revealed.

‘There’s drama you’d normally expect to see on Married At First Sight. It’s worlds away from what viewers saw in season one.’

After widower Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden found love with nurse Sunny Long in the inaugural season, producers are understood to have come to a simple conclusion: romance alone won’t build a ratings juggernaut.

Now the focus is shifting towards conflict, rivalries and water-cooler moments.

‘The feeling internally is they’ve finally worked out what this show needs to be,’ the source said.

‘Sam was surprised by how dramatically the format has evolved.

‘She’s been telling people it feels bigger, bolder and far more confident this time around.’

Network bosses are also believed to have ambitious plans for the franchise, with discussions underway about giving the series a stronger timeslot as Nine attempts to create its next reality-TV obsession.

And that’s where Armytage’s dilemma begins.

Rumours surrounding the future line-up of Today refuse to go away and, if a prized seat on Nine’s flagship breakfast show were to become available, Armytage would undoubtedly be one of the first names mentioned.

The veteran broadcaster spent more than eight years waking up Australia alongside David Koch on Sunrise and has never hidden her passion for live television.

Insiders say it would be incredibly difficult for her to ignore the opportunity if the right offer landed on her desk.

But friends have reportedly urged her not to underestimate the value of fronting a potentially blockbuster entertainment franchise.

‘Everyone wants a hit format attached to their name right now,’ the source said.

‘There are plenty of talented presenters looking for their next big vehicle.

‘If The Golden Bachelor suddenly becomes one of Nine’s biggest entertainment brands, why would Sam rush to give that up?’

Ironically, the show’s dramatic new direction could actually strengthen Armytage’s position in any future Today discussions.

‘If The Golden Bachelor becomes one of those programs everyone is talking about the next morning, Sam isn’t just the former Sunrise host who could do Today,’ the insider said.

‘She’s the woman fronting one of Nine’s hottest properties. That gives her enormous leverage.’

Some have questioned whether the series’ racier new tone could clash with the image of a polished breakfast television host.

However, sources insist network executives are unlikely to see any conflict.

Armytage has spent years moving seamlessly between news, current affairs and entertainment, and insiders say her ability to maintain control while chaos unfolds around her is exactly what makes her such a valuable television asset.

‘Sam can be wrangling outrageous reality stars one night and interviewing a Prime Minister the next morning,’ the source said.

‘Very few presenters can genuinely do both.’

For now, those closest to Armytage are reportedly urging her to wait and see just how big The Golden Bachelor can become before making any major career decisions.

Because if she does walk away, there will be plenty of familiar faces lining up to take her place.

‘The message to Sam is pretty simple,’ the insider said.

‘Don’t walk away too quickly. There are a lot of people who’d love to have what she’s got.’

And in a twist that won’t be lost on Nine executives, a blockbuster second season of The Golden Bachelor may not stand in the way of a Today comeback at all.

It could be the very thing that helps Samantha Armytage land the job.