Frontrunners to replace David Koch on Sunrise revealed after his shock exit
David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced his shock departure from Channel Seven’s morning show Sunrise after a remarkable 21-year tenure.
And there are several contenders ready to fill the shoes of the beloved breakfast show.
Sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvington is a front-runner to occupy Kochie’s prized seat after covering for the father of four while on vacation on several occasions.
Shirvington particularly impressed viewers when he covered Kochie on his furlough last year, adapting seamlessly to the role.
He currently co-hosts Sunrise on Fridays in Kochie’s absence and has also reportedly gained the trust of the Seven Network’s top buyers, according to The Australian.
David ‘Kochie’ Koch surprised the nation with his departure announcement from the popular morning show, Sunrise, on Monday after a remarkable 21-year stint
Now Daily Mail Australia has revealed the leading contenders ready to fill the shoes of the beloved breakfast show
Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car accident $1 million interview with British superstar Adele at the end of November most likely put him out of the running.
The reporter had flown to London to interview the top singer, 33, for the Seven Network – but shockingly admitted over chat that he hadn’t actually listened to her new album.
An ‘offended’ Adele then allegedly left the interview, which Doran denied.
The network reportedly spent $1 million on the fateful interview, plus her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey and footage from her One Night Only concert.
Doran later apologized to Adele in Weekend Sunrise, blaming the saga on a “missed email,” before admitting the interview was meant to be “one of the highlights” of his career.
Meanwhile, fellow Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta is another strong contender following his successful stint for Kochie over the Christmas break last year.
He also has a good rapport with Natalie Barr after being on the show for over a decade.
Sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvington is now a strong front runner to occupy Kochie’s esteemed seat. Matt pictured with co-host Natalie Barr
Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie
Viewers have even recommended fellow host Mark Beretta, another Sunrise veteran, as a permanent replacement, following his successful stint over the Christmas break
Kochie’s replacement will most likely be announced this week as he will complete his time on the show in two weeks.
Koch struggled to hold back tears when he announced he was leaving the show after 21 years.
“I’ve loved every minute of it and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here over the last 21 years,” he said.
“I started here before Facebook, before Instagram, before Twitter and iPhones.
“I’ve been privileged to go on so many great adventures, meet so many different people and meet so many different people and cover so many moments of history in the making.”
Kochie was the first to share the news with Sunrise viewers and staff on Monday’s show.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Sunrise and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past 21 years,” said Kochie.
“I’ve been privileged to have so many adventures, meet so many incredible people, and have so many moments of history in the making. It really is the most beautiful job in the world.
“What I will miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat, Beretts and Dave Walters who have been with me on the show pretty much the entire time. I think I spent more time with them than with my family and it was a great joy. I will miss the Sunrise viewers that energize me every day.
“I also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the chairman onwards, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I was full – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their continued encouragement and respect.” , he said.
“I know I’m going to miss it dearly, but it’s time for me to work office hours, and for Libby and I to have a little more flexibility to enjoy our fast-growing family, to travel, and to focus on our family business interests.” in Pinstripe Media and the business channel Ausbiz. As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd, so you’ll still occasionally see me show up at RBA board meetings or other big financial news, but as a guest rather than a host.
“Being Australia’s most watched breakfast show for 20 years in a row is a great moment to leave the stage left with a huge sense of pride and gratitude. Thanks for the privilege,” Kochie said.