Ex-Wife Rattled as Farmer Wants a Wife Courts Her Former Husband
Channel Seven’s Casting Move Sparks Controversy with Samantha Armytage
A potential casting decision for the upcoming season of Farmer Wants A Wife is causing friction, as reports surface that **Richard Lavender**, the ex-husband of television personality **Samantha Armytage**, is being considered for a starring role. The news has reportedly blindsided **Armytage**, adding another layer to their post-divorce dynamic.
Network Seeks a Fresh Look
According to sources, Channel Seven executives view the 65-year-old equestrian businessman as an ideal candidate for the show’s 2026 revamp. This strategy aims to attract a broader audience and compete with rival network Nine’s successful dating program, The Golden Bachelor, currently hosted by **Armytage**. Producers are hoping to avoid stagnation, seeking to inject new life into the long-running series.
An insider revealed that **Armytage** is less than thrilled with the possibility. “Sam wouldn’t love the idea of Richard being involved in Farmer,”
the source stated. “In fact, she would probably see it as a bit of an insult.”
The timing, given her recent move to Nine and her hosting role on The Golden Bachelor, makes the situation particularly sensitive.
A Brief Marriage and a Quiet Split
The couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony at **Lavender**’s Southern Highlands property on New Year’s Eve in 2020. However, their marriage ended quietly in December, just before their four-year anniversary. The split followed reports of tensions within the blended family, specifically involving **Lavender**’s daughters and **Armytage**.
Divorce rates in Australia have remained relatively stable in recent years, with approximately 44% of marriages ending in divorce, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, 2023). This highlights the complexities of modern relationships, even those in the public eye.
Strategic Casting and a Competitive Landscape
Channel Seven is reportedly aiming to cast older farmers and reduce the drama typically associated with the show, hoping to capture a wider demographic and challenge the success of The Golden Bachelor. A network insider explained, “Production doesn’t want the format becoming stale. They’re desperate to give the show a fresh new look and format in a bid to rival its growing competitors.”
**Armytage** has publicly downplayed her current romantic life, stating to The Daily Telegraph that there wasn’t “much to write home about”
and that she was “living vicariously”
through her work. The prospect of her ex-husband entering the spotlight on her former show is reportedly unsettling, as she seeks to maintain a degree of privacy.
Representatives for Channel Seven and **Armytage** have been contacted for comment. The situation continues to unfold as the network prepares for the 2026 season of Farmer Wants A Wife.
