Matt Doran’s latest appearance on Sunday’s Weekend Sunrise has been branded ‘weird’ by some viewers.
The popular breakfast star did not present his farewell programme, with Mark Beretta instead taking a seat next to Monique Wright on the sofa, and Matt instead wandering around the studio for a series of light-hearted segments.
He finally made it to the couch for a final farewell during the final hour of the show.
The move has sparked speculation that the 41-year-old media veteran, who announced he was leaving the network last month, may have been given a “bump” rather than leaving entirely of his own accord.
He was also not visible at the Weekend Sunrise counter on Saturday.
One viewer described Matt’s farewell, surrounded by his regular colleagues, including his regular Weekend Sunrise co-host Wright, as ‘absolutely weird’.
Matt Doran’s latest appearance on Sunday’s Weekend Sunrise has been branded ‘weird’ by some viewers. (Pictured)
The popular breakfast star did not present the program and only appeared in the last hour. Pictured: A scene from Matt’s farewell show with Monique Wright (center)
And the move has led to speculation on industry blog Media Spy that the 41-year-old reporter, who announced he was leaving the network last month, may have been “pushed.”
“The early parts of the show were definitely weird, as was the general atmosphere Seven gave off in recent weeks, including the announcement,” the armchair critic wrote on the industry blog. Media spy.
They continued: ‘I really hope it was Doran’s decision and that he was well supported, especially as he knew a lot of what he went through (openly).
‘Hi Matt, hopefully one day he will feature prominently again on Aussie FTA, maybe even Nine or Foxtel as he has now shown both his professional, serious side and his natural, funny, bantering side quite successfully on both Ten and Seven .’
Another viewer said: ‘I imagine his contract was up and he chose not to renew it.
‘Possibly he was urged by 7 not to renew, but I don’t think it’s as big a problem as some say.
Meanwhile, some viewers seemed offended by the discussion of Matt’s sudden departure from the troubled network.
“I don’t really understand the conspiracies surrounding Matt’s departure,” the viewer began.
“No one really knows and probably never will… I find it distasteful and disgusting that people here want to make a bigger deal out of this than it actually is.”
Matt took on the role of a roving reporter before signing off for the final time, exploring different parts of the studio while Mark Beretta and Monique Wright hosted the show.
“I think it’s a good discussion point, honestly,” another viewer commented on the blog.
“The questions behind Matt’s departure are more than justified as there was a report just months ago that his position was under review.
“Of course it could be and it’s probably just a coincidence and the timing is what it is, but it’s certainly still a valid topic of discussion.
‘Let’s also not forget that the network is also in cost-cutting mode, so axing some high-profile talent isn’t out of the question either.
“The fact that he hasn’t appeared since the announcement, and especially today, the last hour, is obviously going to cause people to ask questions about what happened behind the scenes.”
Matt mentioned his five years at Weekend Sunrise late last month during an emotional announcement live on air at the end of the show.
At one point, Matt manned the autocue station while his colleagues talked directly to the camera. (Pictured)
The Seven star recently opened up about his struggles with depression on The Morning Show.
He said he will take time to focus on his family and pursue other opportunities.
The breakfast show host broke down in tears as he spoke about his friendship with his close colleague as he told Seven viewers about his decision.
“Maan, you’re not just a colleague, you’re my best friend and I’m going to miss you, any chance for a hug?” he said.
In September – when Matt appeared on Morning Sunrise to publish his latest book, Mental State, about Australia’s mental health system – he bravely opened up about his own struggles with depression.
“Do you think it will get better, Doctor, if we raise our hands like you and say, ‘I have anxiety’?” Matt asked Dr. Cross.
‘I’ve also had huge problems with depression in recent years, but people are still, I think, afraid to come forward and say that.’
“It’s amazing that you say the more we talk about it, the better it is,” Dr. Cross said, praising Matt for speaking so openly about his depression on television.
Matt has sparked concern in recent years after mysteriously disappearing from work twice.
In June he failed to get to the Seven studios for work on Weekend Sunrise.
A network spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia at the time that Matt was “on leave.”
A Channel Seven reporter has been tipped to replace Doran.
Seven’s US correspondent David Woiwod, who lives in Los Angeles, is likely to take on the co-hosting role alongside Monique Wright, according to news.com.au.