Tom Steinfort’s temporary return to Today has sparked calls for him to be given a permanent role. But while viewers praised his presence at the desk, reactions to his pairing with Samantha Armytage remained noticeably divided.
Tom Steinfort’s temporary return to the Today desk has prompted some viewers to call for him to be given a permanent role as Channel Nine continues assessing the breakfast program’s future.
The 41-year-old journalist has been presenting alongside Samantha Armytage while regular co-host Sarah Abo is away on maternity leave. Although the arrangement is currently understood to be temporary, the new pairing has quickly become a major talking point among viewers.
Tom Steinfort’s Return Draws Early Praise
Steinfort has received positive feedback for his calm presenting style, polished delivery and natural interaction with the wider Today team.
Several viewers suggested that his experience and familiarity with the program could make him a strong candidate for a more permanent position following Karl Stefanovic’s departure.
“I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I’d love for him to take over from Karl!” one viewer wrote on social media.
Another person was more direct, commenting: “Keep Tom but please change the other host.”
The responses suggest that Steinfort has made a strong impression during his latest period at the desk, despite initially being brought in as part of a temporary hosting arrangement.
Viewers Remain Divided Over the New Pairing
While much of the praise has focused on Steinfort, reactions to his partnership with Armytage have been less consistent.
Some viewers questioned whether the former Sunrise presenter was the right long-term fit for the program. Others, however, believed the pair had already developed promising chemistry.
“I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!” one person commented.
The contrasting responses highlight the challenge facing Nine as it attempts to establish a presenting combination capable of appealing to existing viewers while bringing fresh energy to the breakfast show.
Samantha Armytage’s Return Sparks Wider Discussion
Armytage’s return to breakfast television had already attracted attention before viewers began debating the new hosting partnership.
Earlier in the week, an outfit worn by the 49-year-old presenter divided opinion online. She appeared in a white blouse, grey pleated shorts and pointed black heels, creating a casual interpretation of traditional businesswear.
Although the discussion was largely focused on fashion, it added to the scrutiny surrounding Armytage’s return to a prominent breakfast television role.
Nine Continues to Trial Different Options
The latest hosting arrangement follows another adjustment to the Today lineup, with Mike Willesee Jr’s temporary period at the desk coming to an end.
Steinfort is already familiar to long-time viewers of the program. Before becoming one of the most recognisable reporters on 60 Minutes, he served as the Today newsreader in 2019 during the period hosted by Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner.
He is also understood to be highly regarded within Nine and remains a familiar figure behind the scenes at the breakfast show.
The network is expected to monitor the performance of Steinfort and Armytage closely as it considers the program’s longer-term direction.
A Temporary Pairing With Longer-Term Implications
For now, Nine has not confirmed that the current arrangement will continue beyond Sarah Abo’s maternity leave.
However, the early support for Steinfort means his temporary return is likely to remain part of the wider discussion surrounding the future of Today.
Audience reaction to Armytage has been more divided, but the differing opinions also demonstrate why the network may need more time before settling on a permanent presenting team.