Sunrise legend David Koch returns to Seven and helps raise a record-breaking sum for a good cause
Channel Seven’s telethon saw one of the network’s legendary television presenters make a surprise return for charity on Sunday.
David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 67, appeared on the panel at Perth’s RAC Arena to help the annual event reach a new record total, raising $77.5 million for children’s charities in just 26 hours.
The impressive total surpassed last year’s staggering $71,356,721.
In a video filmed backstage, Kochie encouraged viewers to call in and make a donation.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far,” he said.
The former Sunrise presenter also challenged other stars to a lip sync battle, dressing up in the jersey of his AFL club Port Adelaide and rocking a blonde mullet wig.
Kochie could barely remember the lyrics and reportedly did not have much time to practice.
But the ex-breakfast show host still put on a breathtaking performance with his high energy and enthusiasm.
David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 67, appeared on the panel at Perth’s RAC Arena to help the annual event reach a new record total, raising $77.5 million for children’s charities in just 26 hours. Pictured with the Rybka twins
In a video filmed backstage, Kochie encouraged viewers to call in and make a donation
Other stars at the telethon included Kochie’s former co-host Natalie Barr and his successor Matt Shirvington.
Shirvo turned up the heat when he channeled Tom Cruise in Risky Business for his own lip-sync performance.
The Olympian, 44, dressed as Cruise’s character in the iconic 1983 film as he took to the stage to reenact a key scene, singing Old Time Rock and Roll.
He looked every inch a superstar in a crisp white shirt that he teamed with matching boxer shorts and dancing shoes.
Elsewhere at the Telethon, Matt Shirvington (pictured) turned up the heat when he channeled Tom Cruise in Risky Business for his own lip-sync performance
Former Bachelor star Tim Robards also helped out on the day
The television host danced up a storm on stage and worked up a sweat as he sang the iconic Bob Seger tune.
Other notable stars in attendance included Dr. Chris Brown, The Bachelor star Tim Robards, former Wiggles star Emma Watkins and SAS head instructor Ant Middleton.
The combined total raised by Telethon since its inception in 1968 was more than $600 million when the fundraiser ended on Sunday evening.
Ex-Wiggles star Emma Watkins chatted to young children at the event
SAS chief instructor Ant Middleton was also present
And Channel Seven’s stars weren’t the only ones who made it happen: Prime Minister Anthony Alabanese donated a whopping $6 million from the federal government.
“It’s extraordinary how generous people are and how the whole community gets behind it,” he said.
‘The great thing about Telethon is that it is about helping people who really need it: young children.
“It’s amazing to see firsthand that every dollar makes a difference in a young child’s life – and in their family.”
Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage also jumped on board and made an impressive donation from his own pocket.
The Hollywood legend, who is currently in Yallingup, Western Australia filming his upcoming movie The Surfer, has made a personal pledge of $5,000.
Telethon’s combined total raised since its inception in 1968 was more than $600 million when the fundraiser ended on Sunday evening.