Samantha Armytage Breaks Her Silence on Love After Divorce — But One Honest Admission Says More Than the Rumours
Months after the end of her marriage to Richard Lavender, Samantha Armytage has opened up about the possibility of finding love again.
While speculation recently linked the television favourite to The Golden Bachelor star Barry “Bear” Myrden, Samantha offered a candid update on her personal life—along with one revealing promise about what she’ll do differently next time.
‘I’m having fun’ — Samantha says she’s keeping an open heart
Appearing on The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show, the 49-year-old broadcaster was asked whether she believed love was still part of her future.
Her answer left little doubt.
“Of course I’ll find love again.”
Rather than dwelling on the past, Samantha said she’s embracing this new stage of life.
“I’m keeping my options open.”
“I am fine. Don’t worry about me—I’m having fun, as always.”
Although optimistic, she made it clear she isn’t rushing into another relationship.
“I don’t know when. When the time is right, he will arrive.”
Then came the comment that perhaps revealed the most about what she’s learned.
“And I’ll be very good at choosing this time.”
The Golden Bachelor rumours that sparked plenty of chatter
Samantha’s comments come after weeks of speculation linking her to Barry “Bear” Myrden, the leading man of Nine’s new series The Golden Bachelor.
The rumours intensified after the pair walked the 2025 TV WEEK Logie Awards red carpet together, prompting many viewers to suggest they shared undeniable chemistry.
Social media quickly filled with comments claiming the host and Bachelor seemed better matched than some of the contestants competing for Bear’s heart.
Bear responds to the speculation
Despite the online excitement, Bear firmly dismissed suggestions there was anything romantic between them.
Speaking at the Sydney premiere of The Golden Bachelor, he praised Samantha’s support throughout filming.
“Let’s just say they are rumours.”
He described Samantha as a trusted mentor during the series.
“She was sensational.”
“I used her as a mentor the whole way through and she said, ‘Follow your heart,’ which I did.”
Samantha had already addressed the rumours
Long before the Logies sparked fresh speculation, Samantha had insisted her own love life was taking a back seat.
Speaking earlier this year, she joked that the romance belonged to her television show—not to her.
“My love life is pretty quiet, not much to write home about.”
“I’m living vicariously through my show at the moment.”
The comments reinforced that, while she enjoys helping others find love on screen, she has been in no hurry to begin another relationship herself.
A difficult ending to a four-year marriage
Samantha announced her separation from businessman Richard Lavender in December 2024, just weeks before what would have been their fourth wedding anniversary.
In a brief statement at the time, she confirmed the split was amicable.
“Yes, Richard and I have separated.”
“All break-ups are hard, but it’s somewhat lessened by the fact it’s amicable, and we wish the best for each other.”
She also asked for privacy, saying she would not be making any further public comment.
The separation surprised many, particularly after Samantha had previously revealed she stepped away from Sunrise partly to embrace a quieter life at Richard’s Southern Highlands property.
Since the split, she has returned to Sydney while continuing to focus on her television career.
Looking ahead—with no rush and no regrets
Today, Samantha appears to be entering a new chapter with optimism rather than urgency.
She isn’t actively searching for romance, nor is she closing the door on it.
Instead, she’s content enjoying life, concentrating on work, and trusting that the right person will arrive when the time is right.
And if that day comes, Samantha believes one lesson from the past will make all the difference.
“I’ll be very good at choosing this time.”