Channel Nine is making another unexpected change to its Today lineup, with veteran broadcaster Samantha Armytage stepping into the co-host’s chair next week as the network continues searching for a long-term future after Karl Stefanovic’s departure.

While the move is officially temporary, it comes at a crucial time for the struggling breakfast show.

Samantha Armytage Steps In Next Week

According to industry sources, Armytage will join Michael Willesee Jr. as co-host throughout next week, replacing fill-in presenter Sylvia Jeffreys.

The appearance marks another high-profile return to breakfast television for Armytage, who left Channel Seven’s Sunrise in 2021 after eight years to focus on family life before joining Nine in 2024 to host The Golden Bachelor.

Her return also sets up an intriguing television rivalry, with Armytage once again going head-to-head against her former Sunrise colleague Natalie Barr.

Nine Still Searching for Its Long-Term Line-Up

Although Armytage’s stint is expected to last only a week, the decision forms part of Nine’s broader effort to determine the future of Today.

The breakfast program has been without a permanent co-host since Karl Stefanovic exited the network last month following controversy surrounding his interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

At the same time, regular co-host Sarah Abo remains on maternity leave, giving Nine an opportunity to trial different presenting combinations before settling on a permanent team.

Several Familiar Names Are Under Consideration

Industry reports suggest both Samantha Armytage and Sylvia Jeffreys are being assessed as potential long-term options, with each expected to spend time in the co-host’s chair over the coming weeks.

The network is also reviewing other key on-air positions.

Long-serving NBN Newcastle newsreader Jane Goldsmith is understood to be a leading contender for the news presenter role as Nine considers broader changes across the breakfast program.

While several experienced female presenters are reportedly in the mix, finding a permanent male co-host to replace Stefanovic is said to be proving far more challenging.

Ratings Pressure Adds to the Stakes

The presenter reshuffle comes as Today continues to face intense competition from Channel Seven’s Sunrise, which has maintained a strong lead in the breakfast television ratings.

With audience numbers under pressure, Nine appears determined to use Sarah Abo’s maternity leave as a testing ground before making any major long-term decisions.

Karl Stefanovic’s Departure Continues to Have an Impact

The effects of Stefanovic’s exit continue to be felt beyond Today.

Nine has reportedly removed The Long Weekend, the radio program he co-hosted with Eddie McGuire, from both 9Now and Stan.

Stefanovic appeared in only two episodes before leaving the network, and the program is now reportedly available only through Gold FM, with no indication of whether it will return to Nine’s streaming platforms.

For now, Samantha Armytage’s return may be temporary—but with Nine still searching for the right formula, many will be watching closely to see whether this short stint becomes something much bigger.