Samantha Armytage announces surprising new role: 'Perfect job for me'

Samantha Armytage has announced an exciting new role, as she gears up for a big year with Channel Nine hosting The Golden Bachelor. The 48-year-old presenter revealed on Tuesday that she is the newest ambassador for Guide Dogs Australia, saying it was the "perfect" job for her.

Taking to Instagram, Sam shared her excitement at the new gig. "I’m so excited/thrilled/proud to be the newest ambassador for @guidedogsaustralia 🦮 what a brilliant, genuine & trusted organisation," she wrote.

"I’ve always loved them & now I’m a part of it ❤️ They do invaluable work to help blind & vision-impaired people live fulfilled, safe and productive lives ⭐️ In the next few weeks, we’re going to be looking for puppy raisers ~ we need safe & loving homes to look after our precious puppies until they’re ready to go into training.. & then go to work as the most wonderful guide dogs. You all know how much I love Labradors, so this is a perfect job for me."

It also appeared Sam went on to reference some of the personal struggles she's faced recently, after she announced her split from husband Richard Lavender in December 2024.

"Cuddles with these pups healed my heart a lot. Bring on 2025," she said.

Sam's heartbreaking tribute amid new role

Sam's been a longtime lover of dogs, with the star paying tribute to her late pup Banjo who died in early-2024.

Sharing a sweet throwback photo of her as a kid with a family pet, as well as a photo with Banjo, Sam said she's always been in a "labrador family" before saying, "Miss my darling Banjo every day".

Twist in Samantha Armytage's shock split from husband Richard Lavender

Samantha’s big return to the spotlight after moving from Channel Seven to Channel Nine is believed to be the major hint something wasn't right within her relationship, with the presenter shocking fans last year when she announced she and Richard had split.

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“As soon as Samantha announced she was leaving Seven for Nine and making a big TV comeback, we all started suspecting something had happened as her main reason for initially quitting Sunrise was to be with him and settle down away from the industry,” a source previously told Yahoo Lifestyle.

Samantha confirmed she and Richard split up, sharing a statement with the Daily Telegraph.

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"Yes, Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but it’s somewhat lessened by the fact it’s amicable and we wish the best for each other," she told the publication. "I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won’t be making any further comment."

The publication reports that the pair initially split up several months ago, and the former Sunrise presenter moved out of Richard's NSW Southern Highlands home and returned to Sydney, where she previously lived while working in breakfast TV.

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