The Golden Bachelor pushed back for a third time as speculation grows over Samantha Armytage's Today show return

The Golden Bachelor Australia has suffered yet another scheduling setback, with the hit dating series reportedly pushed back for a third time and now expected to premiere in March next year instead of later this year.

And while insiders are insisting the delay is all part of a master plan, others believe there could be a far more intriguing reason behind the move: Samantha Armytage's television future.

According to the Daily Telegraph, sources close to production claim the highly anticipated reality show has exceeded expectations during development, prompting executives to rethink its launch strategy.

Rather than rushing the series onto screens, producers are said to be keen to give the franchise the strongest possible start by positioning it in a more competitive viewing period next year.

But not everyone is buying that explanation.

Industry whispers suggest the delay may have less to do with programming strategy and more to do with Armytage's rumoured return to breakfast television.

The former Sunrise star has reportedly emerged as a contender for a role on Channel Nine's Today show, sparking speculation executives may be carefully managing her on-screen commitments.

If Armytage does end up joining Today, postponing The Golden Bachelor until March would certainly make sense.

Television insiders claim network bosses may be hesitant to have Armytage appearing every morning on a breakfast program while also fronting a prime-time reality dating show in the evening, particularly during the crucial early stages of a new hosting role.

Despite the mounting speculation, there has been no confirmation Armytage has been offered a position on the Today show, nor any indication the show's scheduling changes are directly linked to her future career plans.

Armytage also told the Daily Mail that Nine was yet to offer her a full time spot in the breakkie TV chair.

'I have not been offered. I like filling in, it's all good fun,' she said on the Logies red carpet.

Daily Mail has contacted Channel Nine for comment. 

The upcoming season of The Golden Bachelor, which features leading men Ed Savage and Mathew Collett, has already generated plenty of attention behind the scenes.

Filming at Sydney's exclusive Tresco Estate in Elizabeth Bay sparked frustration among wealthy residents earlier this year, with neighbours allegedly lodging noise complaints after late-night karaoke sessions, live music and partying continued until 4am. 

Police and council rangers were called out to The Golden Bachelor mansion in Sydney last Wednesday amid a dispute between producers of the show and neighbours over noise complaints.

Residents are reportedly fed up with the late-night karaoke sessions and all-night parties taking place at the Golden Bachelor mansion during filming of the Channel Nine reality show.

Tensions reportedly boiled over last week when one neighbour retaliated and began blasting a trumpet from their backyard in protest.

One local said the disruption in the area had been constant since the production crew arrived earlier this month.

'Originally you heard them building frames and installing all the lights. But what really tipped me over the edge was the first night they met the Bachelor,' the resident said.

'It was a Tuesday night, they were up partying until 4am. I woke up thinking it was kids screaming, but it was the women doing karaoke and yahooing.

'It is beyond disrespectful. They have huge speakers and have even had live bands.'

A City of Sydney spokesman confirmed in a statement that there were 'several' complaints from residents living near the waterfront mansion. 

'As a result of these complaints, City of Sydney staff met with the production company to discuss standard noise limits,' the spokesman said.

'We will continue to monitor the production to ensure filming remains compliant and residential amenity is maintained.'

A letter was sent to surrounding residents by Warner Bros, assuring them music would no longer be played after discussions with council and police.

The estate was listed on the market last year with a price guide of between $110million and $120million.

Locals claim the current filming of The Golden Bachelor is just the latest chapter in a long-running saga of noise and disruption from the mansion, which has also hosted parties for Amex and Nova 96.9's Christmas party.

'The parties are getting worse. After we tried to take it to council and got knocked back, it's felt like a free-for-all,' a neighbour complained.

The Golden Bachelor targets an older audience and follows contestants who have experienced love and loss as they search for a second chance at romance.