The host of The Golden Bachelor on playing TV cupid again

Channel Nine

When Samantha Armytage stepped out onto the TV Week Logies red carpet in August with Australia’s first Golden Bachelor, Barry “Bear” Myrden, whispers of an off-screen romance quickly ran rampant. But, ever the professional, the 49-year-old was quick to shut them down.

“Well, you can’t host the show and then steal the Golden Bachelor. Hello! That wouldn’t be much fun, would it?” Armytage quipped on Nova’s The Chrissie Swan Show.
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Still, when WHO chats with the Sunrise alum ahead of the debut local season of the show, it’s obvious she’s a fan of the silver fox who’s set to steal hearts. “Bear is a wonderful inaugural Golden Bachelor for Australia. He’s a kind, decent and handsome man,” she gushes.

After two seasons hosting Farmer Wants a Wife, Armytage is well-versed in reality TV romance and admits she was excited to dive back into that world. “I find myself playing TV Cupid again, which is so much fun,” she shares.

Here, she spills on the upcoming season and why you won’t see her on a dating show.

Was it an immediate yes when you were asked to host The Golden Bachelor?

Nine reached out to me with the prospect of this show. I had heard about it being on in America and knew it was a huge success in its first season, so I was interested. After I discovered more details of the Australian version, it was an immediate yes.
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Did you watch the US version?

Of course, I watched the American version when I was offered the role. It was so much fun and hilarious – what I loved most was that it had a lot of heart. It was wonderful to see older people finally getting a second chance at love on television.

This isn’t your first reality-show rodeo – are you approaching anything differently when hosting this time around?

I’m definitely approaching it differently because this show is completely unique. The Bachelor and the ladies are coming at love from a more mature perspective, so I’ve had to up the ante with my matchmaking skills.
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What sets The Golden Bachelor apart from other romance reality shows?

I think what sets this show apart is the cast’s wealth of life experience. They have been through marriages, divorces and raising children – some are even widowed. With such a diverse range of personalities and experiences, the show offers incredibly powerful storylines and heartfelt situations everyone can relate to.

What’s your favourite part about hosting?

Having a front-row seat to watch people falling in love. It’s such a privilege and a wonderful thing to be a part of, and I love being able to help them on their journey to a happily ever after.
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Why do you think Australia will fall in love with Bear and the show?

Because he has been through so much sadness and heartbreak in the past, and he is now bravely opening his heart again. They will fall in love with the show itself because it’s genuine television, giving older people a real opportunity to find love again. Who doesn’t want to see that?

There are a few familiar faces among the ladies, such as radio host Bianca Dye. Would you ever consider going on reality TV to look for love yourself?

I think all of the ladies are incredibly brave for going on television to find love like this. I’m not sure I’d be that brave myself, but I certainly take my hat off to them for doing it.