Today viewers weigh in on Samantha Armytage's future at Channel Nine following shock Seven departure

Viewers have weighed in on Samantha Armytage's return to breakfast TV this week.

The 48-year-old former Sunrise star made her debut on Nine's Today to a mixed response on Monday.

But some fans have leapt to her defence saying that the former Seven star could help renew interest in the Channel Nine show, which regularly tails Sunrise in the ratings.

'Put Sam on Weekend Today,' posted one online critic. 

'Goodness knows, that show needs help. She was at her best on Weekend Sunrise. Two days a week is the right amount of Sam,' they continued. 

Still, another viewer appeared to be sceptical about a permanent return to brekkie TV for Sam.

'This is purely an initiative of Nine’s head of TV to get Sam filling-in, obviously a fan and would like more where possible,' they wrote.

'But I don’t think that means they’re looking to blow up the current duo who are working well despite being number two (in the ratings) nor that Sam is interested.'

Sam made headlines when it was announced that she joining Nine to host Bachelor spin-off The Golden Bachelor back in October.

But her appearance co-hosting on Monday's Today as a summer fill-in alongside Dan Anstey has sparked much speculation that the network has bigger plans for the media veteran.

'I have a feeling Sam is definitely being lined up for something else, but she may just become the new Sonia Kruger for Nine hosting new prime time shows all year round till something sticks,' added another viewer to the Media Daily thread.

They continued: 'I can stilll see her popping up next year on today, and if they were clever they could give Sam her own morning show and cut today extra down and place her show in between for an hour to shake things up.'

It comes after Sam copped flak online following her appearance on the Today, with unimpressed fans flocking to social media to call for her to be removed as summer fill-in host.

'@TheTodayShow off to channel 7 for a while. Please post when Armytage moves on and we’ll come back,' one person wrote on X.

'Why is Sam Armytage on Ch9's brekky show? And why can't the media give a go to literally anyone except a few. Is Kochie getting a new plum job too?' another said.

'Sam Armytage on NOPE!' a third agreed.

'I moved from 7 to 9 because of Sam Armytage, so what do you go and do? Let us know when she's moved on and I'll start watching again,' another commented.

Despite some backlash from viewers, others expressed their excitement to see Sam hosting the breakfast program.

'It's great to see Sam Armytage back on the TV sets as she is co-hosting summer series of #9Today,' one wrote.

'@sam_armytage looking stunning today can she stay permanently,' another agreed, while one added: 'Loved it.'

Channel Nine was reportedly plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host.

The network's move has also sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed.

While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if Samantha is the right fit to join Today permanently.

One major source of resentment at her new network is the perception that Nine's existing talent has been overlooked.

Many insiders were reportedly blindsided by Samantha's signing, particularly after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role.

'There is no harder slap-down than to put your hand up for hosting The Golden Bachelor and virtually be told you've got the gig, only to then read in the newspapers that Sam is their surprise pick,' the insider claimed.

The tension reportedly extends to Today's regular hosts.

Sarah Abo, 39, was allegedly upset earlier this year when she learned Samantha was being considered as her temporary replacement during a leave period.

That plan was shelved after Sarah pushed back, with Nine opting for Sylvia Jeffreys as a 'safer option'.

This time, however, Sarah appears to have accepted the decision, though insiders claim it hasn't been easy.

'If Sam wants it that much, she can have it,' a colleague reportedly said, adding that Sarah is resigned to the fact that Sam is being given prime opportunities at the network.

Channel Nine and Samantha Armytage have been approached for comment.

Sam's move to the network comes after she recently shocked fans when she and husband Richard Lavender split just weeks before their fourth anniversary

Their separation was planned to be leaked to a Sydney newspaper, but sources confirmed the news to Daily Mail Australia in advance.

'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,' Armytage then told media.

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

While the news just emerged publicly, it is understood Armytage's television presenter friends have been comforting the star behind the scenes for some time.

Samantha is no longer followed on Instagram by Richard's two daughters, Sascha and Grace, although the former couple still follow each other.

She started dating Richard in April 2019, and they announced their engagement in June 2020, before tying the knot at his property in rural NSW six months later.