EXCLUSIVE: Sunrise’s new host is revealed by Channel Seven insiders – as David Koch leaves the top job
- Seven to anoint Matt Shirvington as host on June 5
- Shirvington a favorite of Seven bosses
- David Koch is stepping down as host of Sunrise this week after 21 years
Australian athletics great Matt Shirvington will be crowned David Koch’s successor at Sunrise on June 5 following a three-year plan to get him primed for first place.
Channel 7 insiders have confirmed that Shirvington, who has been tipped as Koch’s likely replacement since the Beijing Olympics, will officially land his new role on Monday, June 5, four days before Koch films his final show as Sunrise presenter.
The new appointment follows a carefully curated training process for the popular ‘Shirvo’, widely loved by Seven’s top executives and the public alike.
It is clear that Koch himself gave Shirvington his ‘blessing’.
“David believes Matt is a good fit for him and thinks he will do a fantastic job,” an insider told the Daily Mail Australia.
‘He’s been filling in for David for a few years now and he’s made his mark. Viewers love him and he has a very good reputation internally, so it’s a natural step up for him.”
Olympic great Matt Shirvington will finally succeed David Koch on June 5.
Shirvington has been a longtime understudy for Koch, who announced his plans to step down as host of Sunrise on May 29.
It’s clear that Shirvington was destined for the job in 2020 as he joined Seven’s Olympic coverage team – a role he fulfilled well during the postponed Games in 2021 and one that inevitably earned him his ‘hosting stripes’.
He also cut his teeth hosting roles on the mini golf game show Holey Moley and Ultimate Tag, which, while not a ratings hit, provided more evidence that he had the “chops” to handle a major format.
Shirvington, who has waited in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter for the past two years, will soon begin the daily 3am wake-up call – one of many factors that ultimately led to Koch’s decision to step down after 21 years .
The 67-year-old TV legend first shared the news of his decision with Sunrise viewers and staff on Monday morning’s show.
Koch (with Sunrise guest Katy Perry) has given former Australian sprint champion his ‘blessing’
Shirvington ended his athletics career in 2006 with five consecutive national titles in the 100m and five national top three finishes in the 200m
“I loved every minute of my time at Sunrise,” Koch said on the air.
“I’ve been privileged to have so many adventures, meet so many incredible people, and have so many moments of history in the making.”
Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media, said: ‘I will personally miss David as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, especially in the way he has mentored so many Seven people.’
Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton added in a statement: “All good things must come to an end, and I admire and respect his decision to leave Sunrise while he is at the top of his game.”