She has always been notoriously private about her past relationships, at times even calling out ‘rubbish’ media for delving into her personal life.
But as she announces her engagement to businessman Richard Lavender, 60, one thing’s for certain, Samantha Armytage has never given up on love.
From dating Sydney hotelier Peter De Angelis, to a rumoured dalliance with Channel Seven newsreader Michael Usher, Daily Mail Australia takes a look back at the 43-year-old’s quest for The One.
From dating playboy hotelier Peter De Angelis to a rumoured dalliance with newsreader Michael Usher: How Samantha Armytage (left), 43, found her Prince Charming in fiancé Richard Lavender (right), 60, as she announces their engagement
Peter De Angelis
The Seven star dated the playboy hotelier in 2011 after her split from her long-term builder boyfriend, known just as Sean.
Despite often being pictured together at social events, Samantha and Peter’s relationship was short-lived, splitting in 2012.
Peter only has the highest regard for his former love, telling media back in 2014: ‘I wish her all the best and every success on her book [Shine].’
Short-lived: The Seven star dated hotelier Peter De Angelis (pictured) in 2011 after her split from her long-term builder boyfriend, known just as Sean. Samantha and Peter split in 2012
Eric Stonestreet
Samantha got people talking when she enjoyed a lunch date with Modern Family actor Eric Stonestreet back in 2014.
Calling into The Kyle and Jackie O Show in May 2015, the 48-year-old U.S. star confirmed their date, saying: ‘I can tell you 100 per cent that…we had lunch.’
‘Is that code for something?’ host Kyle Sandilands pushed.
Famous date: Samantha got people talking when she enjoyed a lunch date with Modern Family actor Eric Stonestreet (pictured), 48, back in 2014
Not giving in, Eric added: ‘It was well documented. She tweeted me and I said you organise it and I’ll be there and we had lunch.’
Eric and Samantha had a five hour lunch at Matt Moran’s Chiswick restaurant in 2014, after he extended his stay Down Under once filming wrapped on the Modern Family episode that was being shot.
Russell Crowe
Samantha described the actor, 56, as ‘very charming’ when he gifted her with a mix tape of his music, after she interviewed him for Sunrise in 2013 for his role in blockbuster Man Of Steel.
No truth? In 2014 – with another Russell Crowe interview under her belt – Samantha denied Woman’s Day’s claims of a budding romance. Russell, 56, is pictured in 2018
And a year on – with another Russell Crowe interview under her belt – Samantha strenuously denied Woman’s Day’s claims of a budding romance.
Speaking on Sunrise in December 2014, Samantha deflected claims that there’s anything more than professional conduct between herself and the Oscar winner, 50, saying: ‘I’m denying, I’m strenuously denying.’
Before adding: ‘It’s [the reports of romance] all a bit of fun.’
Michael Usher
Samantha and the Channel Seven newsreader, 51, were the subject of romance rumours as early as 2015.
Their first attempt at a romance happened in 2015 when Sunrise’s Natalie Barr tried to arrange a dinner date for her two single friends.
Sydney Confidential reported the pair had been ‘flirting’ for a while before Michael decided to ask Samantha on a date again in 2017.
Rumoured: Samantha and newsreader Michael Usher (pictured), 51, were the subject of romance rumours as early as 2015. They reportedly called it quits in June 2017
Reports: They had allegedly been ‘spending time together’ in her Southern Highlands retreat in a bid to escape the spotlight in Sydney
They had allegedly been ‘spending time together’ in her Southern Highlands retreat in a bid to escape the spotlight in Sydney.
However they reportedly called it quits in June 2017 after a short-lived romance.
Samantha’s representatives have denied the reports, insisting they have always been just friends.
Shaun White and Peter Fegan
Silencing the claims: In December 2016, Samantha hit back at claims she was dating her Seven colleague Shaun White (pictured) after they were seen looking cosy together
In December 2016, Samantha was linked to two Seven colleagues – Shaun White and Peter Fegan – after looking cosy with both on separate occasions.
However, Samantha slammed the claims in an Instagram post at the time, writing: ‘In the past week or so, I’ve been “in love with” with; a gay colleague, a straight colleague, a bloke I stood next to at the races 3 months ago, a Gladiator, a British boy-band member & 17 other people I’ve never met.’
She continued: ‘All these men & I have a bedtime of 7.30pm…I’m amaaaazing (sic). (Why haven’t they linked me to Prince Harry yet!? I’m insulted…)
‘If I stand next to someone, it DOES NOT MEAN I’M DATING THEM? As you were… #happysunday.’
Speculation: Also in December 2016, Samantha was rumoured to have been dating another Seven colleague, Peter Fegan (pictured)
Paul O’Brien
Samantha was said to have been dating private jet tycoon Paul O’Brien ‘for several months’ in June last year, after previously breaking off their romance in late 2018.
The pair were first spotted publicly in March 2018 on a dog walking date in Sydney, and seen again in September that year while having breakfast in Melbourne.
According to Now To Love, the couple then ‘took a break’ in January 2019, before briefly reconciling but they ‘split’ again in late April 2019.
Case of the ex: Samantha was said to have been dating private jet tycoon Paul O’Brien (pictured) ‘for several months’ in June last year, after previously breaking off their romance. They split for good in April 2019
The One – Richard Lavender
Samantha announced her engagement to the equestrian businessman in an Instagram post on Sunday.
The blonde journalist uploaded two photos of herself posing in the arms of her fiancé, with a diamond ring sparkling on her engagement finger.
‘What a year…’ she wrote in the caption, adding several emojis including a ring, heart and a dog.
‘What a year!’ Samantha announced her engagement to boyfriend Richard Lavender, 60, to Instagram on Sunday, debuting a diamond ring
The photo appears to have been taken at either Samantha or Richard’s rural property, both of which are located in New South Wales’ Southern Highlands.
Wrapped up in a beanie and puffer jacket, Samantha beamed with joy as she placed her bejewelled hand on her man’s chest.
A flurry of Samantha’s famous friends congratulated the happy couple, including Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac who wrote: ‘Sam!!! Richard!!! Well bloody done! So great to see some happy news! @banjoarmytage for ring bearer duties, calling it early x.’
It’s official! On Sunday, the blonde journalist uploaded two photos of herself posing in the arms of her fiance, with a diamond ring sparkling on her engagement finger
Sunrise presenter Edwina Bartholomew added: ‘Well, this is hands down the best thing to happen this year,’ while former Studio 10 host Jessica Rowe added: ‘Oh HOORAY!!!!!!! So happy for you beautiful girl & that is one very lucky fella!!’
The couple, who have been reportedly dating since last April, officially confirmed their romance in November last year.
They sparked engagement rumours in September, after they were spotted shopping for expensive jewellery in Sydney’s Double Bay.
So in love! Speaking to WHO magazine’s Sexiest People issue, the Channel Seven host praised the businessman as a ‘decent’ and ‘very honest’ man
Richard has two daughters, Grace and Sasha, while Samantha has no children but does own an adorable dog named Banjo.
Speaking to WHO magazine’s Sexiest People issue, the Channel Seven host praised the businessman as a ‘decent’ and ‘very honest’ man.
She revealed they had been introduced by a mutual friend ‘around Easter’ and shared an instant connection.
Smitten! The couple, who have been reportedly dating since last April, officially confirmed their romance in November last year
Sam, who is notoriously private when it comes to her personal life, added that the most attractive thing about Richard is that he’s ‘comfortable in his own skin.’
Meanwhile, Richard said that he was drawn to Sam because of ‘the sparkle in her eye’ and their shared passion for horses and the outdoors.
Richard lives in a 40-hectare property in Bowral, NSW, the same country town where Sam owns a $2.2million five-bedroom retreat.
It’s believed the couple spend most weekends together in the Southern Highlands, while Sam returns to her $2.5million Bondi home in the week.
Taking a step back: Meanwhile, on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph reported that Samantha will no longer host Sunrise on Mondays, starting from June 22