David Koch is absent from Sunrise again days after hinting about his future on the breakfast show
David ‘Kochie’ Koch is absent from Sunrise again – just days after admitting that ‘everything comes to an end’ and alluding to his future on the breakfast show
Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch has disappeared from the breakfast show’s panel again, days after hinting at his future as host.
The veteran presenter, 67, was notably absent from the chair last week while in Perth for a technology conference, and was replaced by substitute Matt Shirvington.
And on Tuesday morning, Shirvington once again sat next to co-host Natalie Barr to deliver the news.
The reason for Kochie’s absence remains unclear as he was photographed at Sydney Airport with his co-hosts Barr and news presenter Edwina Bartholomew on Friday.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
Sunrise presenter David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 67, (pictured) disappeared from the breakfast show panel again on Tuesday — days after hinting at his future as host
It comes days after the long-running TV presenter dropped a big hint that he’s looking at life outside of the hit breakfast show.
On Sunday, Kochie told the Announce sun that after two decades in the role, he wants to scale things back.
“I’ve been doing it for almost 21 years. I love it, I’m still passionate about it, but I want a little more flexibility in my life,” he explained.
Matt Shirvington (right) replaced veteran presenter at the desk next to Natalie Barr (left) on Tuesday morning
“My wife Libby and I want to enjoy our lives and Channel Seven is happy to help.”
Kochie signed a two-year contract extension with Seven last year, which will see him stay at Sunrise at least until 2024 – although he negotiated “more flexibility” with his work commitments.
“Everything must come to an end. I have the flexibility to do it on my terms and I’m incredibly grateful to be given that opportunity,” he added.
The duo was joined by news presenter Edwina Bartholomew and sports presenter Mark Beretta
In October, Kochie signed the renewal deal during a meeting with Seven Network CEO James Warburton, expressing his interest in retirement.
Warburton was able to convince Koch to put his retirement plans on hold for another two years, but agreed to draft a contract that will allow the long-serving anchor to “take more breaks from the show as per his requirements,” reports The Australian.
This is in addition to Koch’s already relaxed work schedule, in which he hosts Sunrise four days a week and takes Fridays off.
Kochie signed a two-year contract extension with Seven last year, which will see him stay at Sunrise until at least 2024 – though he negotiated ‘more flexibility’ with his work commitments