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Sam Armytage hits out in Sunrise farewell speech
Samantha Armytage didn't hold back during her farewell speech on Sunrise, as she took aim at some of the scrutiny and bullying she has faced during her time on the show.
Thursday was Sam's last day on the breakfast program, but before her final sign off the host said she was keen to move on from the negative aspects of her role.
"I do want to say that I never fully understood some of the scrutiny and the snarkiness and bullying from some aspects of the media," she said.
"But today we move on from that because there is a new chapter starting and it has been overwhelmingly a good experience in my life, so I thank all of you, and most of all I thank all of our viewers who are just wonderful people.
"There are so many lovely people out there, so many lovely ones that aren't nasty.
"There are thousands of messages that I will never be able to respond to all of you, but thank you, I will try to look at as many as I can, and it has been amazing."
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The 44-year-old took another stab at critics when she thanked other members of her team, specifically her makeup team.
"All the makeup girls, they are just superb, and to Natasha and Jess in wardrobe you are part of the team," she said, adding, "It's so important that we look good otherwise we get highly criticised, don't we?"
Finally, she also took the opportunity to point out the lack of women on the camera crew for Sunrise.
"To all of our crew, who get up even earlier than we do and nobody gets to see them, you are all wonderful, Mitch, love you, and there is only one girl in there, Hayley in camera three. And all you boys are magnificent and make it so easy to be in here."
Sam breaks down during last Sunrise appearance
The 44-year-old announced three days ago that she was leaving the Channel 7 morning show after eight years at the hosting desk.
For her last day, the team organised a surprise call with Samantha’s sister, Georgie, and her daughter Lucia, who are in lockdown in the UK.
Samantha instantly broke down in tears when she saw her family on the call and her sister said: “we are so proud of you Sammy”.
In a statement released last week, Samantha revealed it was time for the "sun to set" on her time on the show, but she will remain a part of the Seven network, with new projects to be announced at a later stage.
"I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different," Samantha said.
“I want to take a break and find some peace and calm. I go out of this job at a time of my own choosing and on top of the ratings, which not many people on television can say they do.
“I cannot thank you all enough for having me in your lounge rooms all these years.”
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