Former Channel Seven colleagues Samantha Armytage and David Koch found themselves at odds this week.
The popular presenters helmed breakfast show Sunrise together for seven years before Samantha’s departure in 2021.
But on Monday, the duo became rivals when they appeared simultaneously on different networks.
Kochie, 68, was back at his old haunt Sunrise on Monday offering viewers financial advice while Samantha made her first appearance on Channel Nine’s Today Show.
The money maven joined Monique Ryan and Weekend Sunrise host David Woiwod to discuss health insurance.
‘I feel like I’ve slipped into the Twilight Zone,’ Woiwod admitted as he and Ryan introduced the former host.
Former Channel seven colleagues Samantha Armytage and David Koch (pictured) have found themselves at odds this week
‘Something’s gone wrong. I should be talking to him in a field somewhere,’ he continued before Koch, who left the show in 2023, congratulated Woiwod on his new role.
While Kochie was busy offering expert advice on Sunrise, Samantha, 48, was making her debut appearance on Today.
She kicked off the show by sharing a flirty exchange with her co-host Dan Anstey.
After introducing herself to viewers, Sam – who recently announced her split from husband Richard Lavender – told Dan she had first met him at the Melbourne Cup.
‘I can’t remember that. How was I?’ he asked.
‘You were handsome as always,’ a giggling Sam responded, before Dan said: ‘That was someone else. You confused me with another Dan.’
‘Yeah I have actually. We’ll get to that later on but it’s lovely to see you all here,’ Sam quickly responded before she introduced the news headlines.
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.
Kochie was back at his old haunt Sunrise on Monday offering viewers financial advice
While Kochie was busy offering expert advice on Sunrise, Samantha (pictured) was making her debut appearance on Today
The network’s move 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.
The fall-out from the decision has been significant.
‘There have been crisis meetings back-to-back since Sam was signed,’ a source told Woman’s Day earlier this month.
‘The big bosses did not listen to the team when they objected to Sam coming on board.’
Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail Australia that Nine has a strategic reasoning behind Samantha’s appointment.
‘Let’s not pretend this isn’t about ratings,’ they said.
‘If Sam manages to pull Today out of the shadow of Sunrise, even for a week, the network will see it as a win. For Sam, it’s about proving she’s still the queen of breakfast TV.’
Samantha slipped into the Sunrise co-host chair in 2013, replacing Melissa Doyle. She shared hosting duties with David for seven years, before she announced she was leaving in 2021
Kochie, meanwhile, ended his 21-year tenure on the show in May 2023, with Matt Shirvington taking on the coveted role
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.
Samantha slipped into the Sunrise co-host chair in 2013, replacing Melissa Doyle.
She shared hosting duties with David for seven years, before Samantha announced she was leaving in 2021, to spend more time with family.
Natalie Barr was announced as her replacement, with Edwina Bartholomew stepping into Barr’s position of news presenter.
Kochie, meanwhile, ended his 21-year tenure on the show in May 2023, with Matt Shirvington taking on the coveted role.
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