Natalie Barr’s Photo Scandal Was Bad Enough — Then Samantha Armytage Dropped Two Words That Changed EVERYTHING Overnight
Nine star Samantha Armytage has given News24.com.au a very surprising response after bitter rival Natalie Barr was busted with a screenshot of her on her phone.
Golden Bachelor host Samantha Armytage admitted she feels flattered after her bitter TV rival Nat Barr accidentally revealed a screenshot of her on Instagram.
Barr, 58, shared a video with her 121,000 followers last week that inadvertently revealed a screenshot she had taken of Armytage during her debut appearance on Nine’s Today set.
Armytage, 49, spoke to News24.com.au about the incident on the red carpet of Sunday night’s Logie Awards, saying she finds the attention “lovely”.
“I think it’s all very flattering, you know,” she laughed.
“It’s lovely when people take photos of you.”
Barr (pictured left) shared a video with her 121,000 followers last week that inadvertently revealed a screenshot she had taken of Armytage during her debut appearance on Nine’s Today set. Picture: instagram/@natalie_barr7
The awkward gaffe comes against the backdrop of long-running speculation surrounding the pair’s relationship.
Barr and Armytage worked together for years on Seven’s Sunrise before Armytage sensationally quit the breakfast program in 2021.
Barr, who had been the show’s news presenter, was later promoted to the coveted co-host role alongside David ‘Kochie’ Koch.
After the reshuffle, Barr addressed suggestions there had been tension between the pair, telling The Australian Women’s Weekly that she and Armytage “didn’t really see each other outside the office”, explaining they lived very different lives and mixed in different social circles.
Samantha Armytage and Natalie Barr. Perpetual Ladies Lunch held at Bennelong restaurant, Sydney Opera House. Picture: Bradley Hunter
Armytage later fired back during an appearance on the now-defunct Kyle and Jackie O radio show.
“Yeah, well, look, I mean it’s better to be talked about than not, isn’t it, in this life,” Armytage said on air.
“I thought everyone might forget about me when I was having my little TV sabbatical, but it seems they’re not.”
The exchange intensified after the Kyle and Jackie O X account shared the interview alongside the caption: “So was there beef on-set between @sam_armytage & @natalie_barr? Let’s ask Sam!”
Armytage then reposted the clip and wrote: “Look.. I’m out. Nat’s wanted the job, forever.. & she’s finally got it. She just needs to get on & enjoy it – & forget about me..(even though I’m unforgettable) #peaceout.”
Samantha Armytage on the Today Show
On Sunday night, Armytage also spoke to News24.com.au about her recent Today hosting gigs, which has sparked rumours about a possible permanent position at the embattled TV show’s newsdesk, saying the appearances were on a strictly “fill-in” basis while Sarah Abo is on away maternity leave.
“I’ve been filling in for a couple of weeks, and I think I’ll do some more fill-in stuff coming up,” Armytage said.
“It’s just a fill-in while Sarah Abo is on maternity leave.”
When asked whether she would make any more appearances on the program, Armytage said: “She’ll see what the future holds”.
“We’ll see. I don’t mind filling in. You know I love Breakfast TV; it’s a really nice crew, but we’ll see what the future holds.”