Sam Armytage reveals engagement: Who is fiance Richard Lavender?
Sunrise host Samantha Armytage revealed on the weekend that she is getting married.
Here’s what we know about her fiance Richard Lavender.
HOW THEY MET
Armytage and Lavender were introduced by a mutual friend around Easter last year.
At the time, Lavender, 60, had no idea who Armytage was or what she did for a living.
It wasn’t until they’d been dating for a few weeks that Armytage made Lavender watch an episode of Sunrise so he could see what she does.
WHO IS RICHARD LAVENDER?
Lavender is a successful equestrian businessman who has two adult daughters with his ex-wife Kate Lavender.
He has a 40-hectare property in NSW’s Southern Highlands, not far from the $2.2 million five-bedroom country retreat that Armytage purchased in 2017.
The couple have a number of mutual interests with Armytage telling Who Magazine last year: “We both enjoy horses, skiing, architecture, art.”
WHAT THEY LIKE ABOUT EACH OTHER
Armytage told Who Magazine last year that she loves that Lavender is comfortable in his own skin.
“He doesn’t care what people think of him, which I admire greatly,” she said. “He’s very decent, very honest. I love that he’s so modest.”
As for Lavender, he loves that Armytage is “very natural” and not at all like the celebrities he has encountered in the past.
“I think a lot of the people who are in show business are a bit flouncy,” he told Who. “I’ve seen a few celebrities in public – it’s not always attractive.
“She has a quick wit, a terrific sense of humour,” he said about the Sunrise star.
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WHERE THEY LIVE
When Armytage is filming Sunrise in Sydney during the week, the couple stay at the presenter’s three-bedroom Bondi home which she purchased for $2.15 million in 2014.
On weekends they head to the Southern Highlands and stay at Lavender’s sprawling property.
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Armytage announced her engagement on social media on the weekend by posting a photo with Lavender, complete with engagement ring, and the caption: “What a year.”
The Instagram post received more than 50,000 likes with her fellow Sunrise stars leaving messages of congratulations.
“Wow that’s such wonderful news,” wrote David Koch. “Congratulations to you and Rich from Libby and I.”
Co-star Edwina Bartholomew wrote: “Well, this is hands down the best thing to happen this year.”
Weather presenter Sam Mac wrote: “Well bloody done. So great to see some happy news!”
Mac also mentioned Armytage’s dog, Banjo, writing: “Banjo for ring bearer duties, calling it early.”
Samantha Armytage can be seen weekdays on Sunrise from 5.30am-9am.
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