Farmer Wants A Wife 2023 has returned and while fans are thrilled to see some wholesome content on their screens, they are disappointed Natalie Gruzlewski has been replaced by Samantha Armytage.
In 2022, the former Sunrise host Samantha made a special appearance on the reality dating series. Now, she has taken lead of FWAW with long-time host Natalie serving as co-host.
While fans are disappointed, it seems Samantha may have boosted FWAW viewer numbers are a massive ratings win on premiere night! On April 10, the series launch night, it attracted 1.08 million viewers across Australia. The number of viewers then dropped by 80,000 for the second episode.
However, some sentimental fans can’t be ignored especially after Natalie only featured in several frames.
“What happened to Nat? She is like the OG,” one fan wrote.
Another fan commented: “What has happened to Natalie Gruzlewski on #FarmerAU? Not into Samantha Armytage hosting…”
Meanwhile, other fans shared their disappointment regarding the sudden shift on Instagram.
“Nat should be [hosting], she started the show, this is so very wrong,” one fan commented.
“Where’s Natalie it won’t be the same if she’s not there”.
Another wrote: “Sorry now that you’ve pushed Nat out it’s the first time I won’t be watching..”
Based on all the comments, there seems to be no bad blood with Samantha directly. However, there is no denying the dedicated fanbase FWAW has gathered throughout the years and are sentimental Natalie won’t be appearing as often.
Upon hearing that Natalie wouldn’t be a full time host for FWAW season 12, fans began spreading theories on why given ‘she is the show’.
However, Channel Seven has neither confirmed or denied why Natalie has stepped back from the dating series.