Samantha Armytage’s return to the Today desk appears to be getting closer, just days after the veteran presenter celebrated a major personal milestone.
Armytage, who turned 50 on Friday, is reportedly expected back on Nine’s breakfast program within weeks after taking some time away to celebrate in Queensland. But this time, her return comes with a little more intrigue surrounding it.
What began as a temporary hosting stint alongside Tom Steinfort has since become part of a much bigger conversation about the future of Today.
A temporary role that quickly drew attention
Armytage stepped into the Today hot seat last month, joining Steinfort as Nine continued experimenting with different combinations at the breakfast desk.
The former Sunrise presenter was initially filling in rather than beginning a confirmed long-term role, but the pairing quickly attracted attention.
According to the original report, Armytage proved a popular addition to the program during her run alongside Steinfort.
Her 50th birthday brought a brief break
Armytage was absent from the desk last week as she marked her 50th birthday in Queensland.
The milestone offered a brief pause after several eventful weeks on television, but her time away is not expected to last long.
Media Diary reports that Armytage is expected to return to Today in the near future, with her next appearance coming at an important point for Nine’s breakfast program.
The timing of her return could be significant
Nine has been testing different hosting arrangements as it considers the long-term shape of Today.
Karl Stefanovic departed the program in June, while Sarah Abo later stepped away on maternity leave following the birth of her first child.
That has left the network with a significant decision to make over who will ultimately take on the permanent hosting roles.
Armytage’s expected return is set to come before Nine reveals its longer-term plans, making the timing particularly notable.
One result may have changed the conversation
There is another reason Armytage and Steinfort are now being discussed as more than simply a temporary combination.
The original report says their pairing helped lift Today’s audience by around 60,000 viewers, representing an increase of approximately 10 per cent.
Citing The Australian, the report says the ratings improvement has prompted Nine executives to consider Armytage and Steinfort for permanent appointments.
No permanent announcement has been made, however, and the pair’s long-term roles remain unconfirmed.
Armytage returned despite an unexpected setback
Armytage’s recent stint also came during an unusual period personally.
She appeared on the program wearing a leg brace after fracturing her ankle while taking out the rubbish at home. Armytage later explained that she had missed the bottom step, damaging ligaments and suffering fractures around the ankle.
Despite the setback, she continued with her television commitments and appeared alongside Steinfort during the trial period.
A return that may mean more this time
For now, Armytage’s next Today appearance remains exactly that — a return to the breakfast desk rather than confirmation of a permanent appointment.
But compared with the temporary fill-in role she accepted only weeks ago, the circumstances surrounding her comeback have changed considerably.
Fresh from turning 50, Armytage is heading back to Today at the same time Nine is reportedly moving closer to a major decision about the program’s future line-up.
And after the response to her recent pairing with Steinfort, her next stint may be watched much more closely than the first.