Sunrise: New host Matt Shirvington’s handover lunch with David Koch and Natalie Barr
Newly appointed Sunrise presenter Matt Shirvington joined Natalie Barr and outgoing presenter David Koch for a handover lunch on Tuesday, as the Olympic sprinter prepares for Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show.
The trio eschewed a boisterous farewell party in favor of a quiet lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo – three days before Koch’s scheduled last day on the air.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvington – or ‘Shirvo’ as he is affectionately known – shared the advice Koch had given him before taking the top job.
He also addressed reports that he earns a salary that is only half that of his predecessor, despite Koch only working four days a week during his final years at Sunrise.
“Kochie said the two nicest things, which is, ‘You’re going to have the time of your life and you’re a good fit for the role,'” Shirvington said.
The father-of-three, 44, was formally announced as Koch’s replacement on Monday – nearly a week after Daily Mail Australia first reported the promotion.
Newly minted Sunrise presenter Matt Shirvington (centre) joined his new co-anchor Natalie Barr (left) and departing presenter David Koch (right) for a transfer lunch in Sydney on Tuesday
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvington – or ‘Shirvo’ as he is affectionately known – shared the advice Koch had given him before taking the top job
“Kochie said the two nicest things, which is, ‘You’re going to have the time of your life and you’re a good fit for the role,'” Shirvington said.
The group enjoyed a long lunch at the Spanish eatery, toasting pints of beer while enjoying tapas.
The three left the restaurant together, exchanging hugs and kisses before Koch and Barr got into a cab together and Shirvington walked to his car.
The intimate gathering appeared to be very different from former Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage’s farewell lunch in 2021.
After eight years in the role, many of Armytage’s co-stars — including Koch and Barr — were conspicuously absent as the outgoing host celebrated her run on Catalina.
Barr kissed Koch on the cheek after their lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo
When asked if he thought his $400,000 salary was low for such a demanding and high-profile job, Shirvington said, “I don’t really know. I’m just happy in the role’
The group enjoyed a long lunch at the Spanish eatery, toasting with pints of beer while enjoying tapas
Koch looked cheerful as he spoke to Barr and his successor, Shirvington
Despite devoted much of his post-athletics media career to the Seven Networkis Shirvington’s salary much lower than Koch’s rumored $1.5 million a year package – which he negotiated in addition to a lighter Monday-to-Thursday schedule.
Instead, he would have signed an initial $400,000-a-year salary deal with the network — subject to an increase in ratings.
When asked if he thought his pay was low for such a demanding and high-profile job, Shirvington said, “I don’t really know. I’m just happy in the role.’
A well-placed television executive said this week his salary could rise to $750,000 if ratings and audience feedback play in his favor.
The three left the restaurant together, exchanging hugs and kisses before Koch and Barr got into a cab together and Shirvington walked to his car.
Barr put a hand on Shirvington’s shoulder and kissed his cheek as she said goodbye
“Shirvo is young, handsome and charismatic, but he’s still relatively untested, which is why he gets paid half of what Kochie was making,” the source said.
“If he can maintain or even increase the ratings, there is no limit.”
The viewing year in Australia ends at the end of November, meaning Shirvington has nearly six months to prove he’s a winner with viewers.
In TV land, the end of the viewing year coincides with hirings, layoffs, raises and contract renegotiations – so this would likely be when Shirvo finds out if he’ll get a raise.
However, money doesn’t seem to be the main motivator for Shirvington to take on Sunrise’s gig.
He already owns a $12.5 million mansion overlooking Sirius Cove in Mosman, one of Sydney’s most exclusive postcodes.
The Seven Network released the first promo photos of ‘Nat and Shirvo’ on Monday morning