Samantha Armytage has been quietly telling friends she’s perfectly happy to let the public keep guessing about a rumoured ‘romance‘ with The Golden Bachelor star Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden – because the chatter keeps attention off what’s really happening in her life.

A close friend of the TV host told Daily Mail Australia that Sam, 48, has been laughing off the speculation, saying the focus on Bear has actually worked in her favour.

‘Sam’s been in this business long enough to know how to play the game,’ they divulged.

‘She’s happy to let people think whatever they want about her and Bear – it keeps everyone off the scent of what’s actually happening in her life.’

According to sources, ‘someone else’ may be a secret romance that no one’s talking about.

While Sam has brushed off rumours of an on-set fling, insiders insist the chemistry between her and Bear is ‘undeniable’.

Samantha Armytage (left) has been quietly telling friends she’s perfectly happy to let the public keep guessing about her supposed romance with The Golden Bachelor star Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden (right) – because the chatter keeps attention off what’s really happening in her life.

Whether it’s real or just good TV remains to be seen, however.

‘She’s having the time of her life right now,’ our insider said.

‘If people want to focus on Bear, she’s fine with that. It’s the perfect cover.’

Bear hasn’t exactly denied the rumours either. This week, he told several people (and repeated on multiple podcasts) that he ‘100 per cent would have given Sam a rose’ if she were a contestant.

However, sources close to Bear say he’s simply proud to call Sam a friend – not just a co-star – and hopes to maintain their personal connection once the show wraps its nine-episode run.

Earlier this month, Sam made a surprising admission following her split from husband Richard Lavender.

The TV host, who announced her separation from the equestrian businessman at the end of last year, appeared on The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show and was asked if she thought she would find love again.

‘Of course I’ll find love again. I mean, I’m keeping my options open,’ she cheekily said.

A close friend of the TV host told Daily Mail Australia that Sam has been laughing off the speculation, saying the focus on Bear has actually worked in her favour

Sources close to Bear say he’s simply proud to call Sam a friend – not just a co-star – and hopes to maintain their personal connection once the show wraps its nine-episode run.

Samantha split from husband Richard Lavender at the end of last year (both pictured)

She continued to assure fans, saying: ‘I am fine. Don’t worry about me, I’m having fun as always.’

She went on to hint that, while she knows she’ll get back on the horse, she will be pickier with the men she dates in the future.

Samantha separated from equestrian businessman Richard on the eve of their fourth wedding anniversary in December last year.

She started dating Richard in April 2019 and they announced their engagement in June 2020.

The couple then tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW on New Year’s Eve of that same year.

But late last year, sources revealed their split exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, with Samantha then confirming that they had ‘amicably’ gone their separate ways.

‘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,’ Samantha said.

‘I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won’t be making any further comment.’