Sunrise: Samantha Armytage joins David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s for final episode

David “Kochie” Koch is joined by his former co-hosts Samantha Armytage and Melissa Doyle as he hosts his final episode of Sunrise on Friday.

According to TV black boxwill give the 61-year-old a special goodbye from his former sidekicks, who will appear live in the studio to wish him well after 21 years in the job.

Kochie started Sunrise with Doyle, 53, from 2002 to 2013, then partnered with Armytage, 46, from 2013 to 2021.

The news of Kochie’s retirement comes a day after the seasoned journalist cleared the air of his much-speculated feud with Armytage while speaking to The Kyle And Jackie O Show,

Kochie dismissed the feud rumors, saying “No, we didn’t end on bad terms.”

However, when host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson pressed him further about their communication following Sam’s departure from Sunrise, Kochie played coy.

Instead of answering directly, he pointed out that Sam had publicly expressed her desire to “get out of the media.”

“Don’t forget Sam said very openly that she wanted out of the media, that investigation [altogether],’ he said.

Kochie did say that Sam sent him a “really nice announcing note” that he was retiring as the show’s host.

Kochie started Sunrise with Doyle (left) from 2002 to 2013, then with Armytage from 2013 to 2021. Pictured in the early years of Sunrise

“She sent me a really nice note, as did former co-host Mel [Doyle],’ said Kochi.

Rumors of a feud have haunted Kochie and Armytage ever since she left the top-rated Seven breakfast show, but have never been substantiated.

After Kochie announced his resignation, Armytage shared a throwback photo on Instagram of the pair posing together on set.

Kochie announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Sunrise to pursue his own business and spend more time with his family. Pictured with co-host Natalie Barr

“I want to wish Kochie all the best for his future. And to the many well-deserved late risers ahead,” she wrote.

Kochie announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Sunrise to pursue his own business and spend more time with his family.

He will be replaced by former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, 44, who has spent the past two years waiting in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter.

Shirvo was earmarked for the job in 2020 when 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 big format.

After Friday, Shirvo will begin the daily 3 a.m. wake-up call — one of many factors that ultimately led to Kochie’s decision to step down after 21 years.

Matt Shirvington (right) will take Kochie’s place alongside Natalie Barr as Sunrise’s new co-host