Samantha Armytage and Richard Lavender’s wedding on New Year’s Eve surprised even the most loyal of Sam’s TV fans, but no one was more taken aback than her work colleagues.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions and travel bans coming into play once more in the weeks before she said “I do”, a TV insider says Sam was more than obliging when it came to making her guest list incredibly small to meet government guidelines – in fact, it suited her just fine.
According to our source, Sam’s top secret Southern Highlands nuptials has her work colleagues feeling “miffed”, and strengthens months-long rumours that the 44-year-old is slowly but surely distancing herself from her TV career and the friends she’s made along the way.
“There were a few dropped jaws among the Sunrise crew when they first discovered the wedding was indeed taking place on New Year’s Eve – the following day,” says the insider, who notes that while it was a lovely day and a beautiful tribute to Sam’s love for Richard, it felt strange not to have her workmates, who’ve been there from the start of their relationship, watching the happy couple say their vows.
And while Sam no doubt put it all down to current guidelines, our source says her Seven colleagues fear she was relieved to be forced not to have them there.
“Natalie Barr, Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies were noticeably missing, Kochie was in coronavirus lockdown on the Northern Beaches, long-time Sunrise producer Michael Pell was in Queensland holidaying, Mark Beretta and Edwina Bartholomew were on the Sunrise desk on New Year’s Day so they couldn’t be there… the list goes on,” says the source.
“Even Sam Mac, who Richard is a big fan of, wasn’t there on the big day.”
According to our source, Sam’s top secret Southern Highlands nuptials has her work colleagues feeling “miffed”.
(Instagram)Interestingly, just one Seven personality was present at the wedding – Sam’s long-time friend and news reporter Adene Cassidy – who, according to our source, took up a good chunk of the coveted guest list by bringing along her husband and two daughters.
The handful of guests that were at the wedding watched the couple make their union official in the paddock of 61-year-old Richard’s 40-hectare property.
Our source says the exclusivity of the day does bring into question just how close Sam is to her Sunrise team, and supports rumours that she’s ready to walk away from morning television.
“It does seem odd that Sam appeared almost relieved for things to be so low-key, when her Sunrise family have always been there for her, through thick and thin,” says the insider.
Kochie was in coronavirus lockdown on the Northern Beaches when Sam got married.
(Instagram)“But it’s clear Sam has a new life and the writing is on the wall that times are changing.
“Sam just wants to be with her new husband and live a quiet life in the country.
“There’s no denying she’s blissfully happy with her new married life, so maybe now is the time to switch off the alarm clock and enjoy brand new beginnings.”
Will Sonia replace Sam?
While everyone is wondering what Sam’s future at Seven will look like when her contract runs out at the end of 2021, there’s no denying there’s another shining star
at the network – golden girl Sonia Kruger.
“The network has concentrated all their programming around Sonia’s signing because she’s diverse, she’s across so many programs and can successfully front anything from Holey Moley and Big Brother to the upcoming reboot of Dancing With The Stars,” a source tells Woman’s Day.
“She’s proved she can work across the entire entertainment spectrum.”
There are rumblings Sonia, 55, could even replace Sam on the Sunrise desk.
Will Sonia replace Sam?
(Instagram)