The moment Sunrise producers knew Matt Shirvington was the right man to replace David Koch, because extrovert says ‘he’s not pretty enough to be on TV these days’
Matt Shirvington has been announced as David Koch’s replacement at Sunrise.
And Matt’s new co-host Natalie Barr has revealed the moment producers knew he was the right man for the job.
After the official announcement on the Monday morning breakfast show, Natalie joked that bosses knew Matt was the right man to replace Kochie after seeing him dance with comedian Hans on TV.
“I think the bosses knew it was you when they saw you doing this, dancing with Hans,” she said.
They thought ‘if he can do it [Donald] Trump cover and go to this, “This is Sunrise.”
That’s when Sunrise producers knew Matt Shirvington (pictured) was the right man to replace David Koch
Matt replied, “You said so Kochie, you must be a people person.” You don’t have to have any inhibitions to a certain extent.’
“Unfortunately I’m here at home or at a family party. Hopefully not every morning, but you know.’
It comes as Kochie told The Australiandoes he believe that he would never get a role on television ‘nowadays’ because of the focus on ‘telegenic looks’.
“Would anyone who looked or sounded like me ever get the chance again? I doubt a bald, middle-aged man with a big nose and a horrible voice would ever get hired these days,” he said.
After confirming he will star as the new Sunrise presenter on Monday, Natalie (right) joked that bosses knew Matt was the right man to replace Kochie (left) after seeing him dance on TV with comedian Hans
Kochie shared the news of his decision to leave the helm on Monday morning’s show.
“I loved every minute of my time at Sunrise,” he 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.”
“I think the bosses knew it was you when they saw you doing this, dancing with Hans,” she said as footage of Matt dancing with the comedian played.
It was confirmed on Monday that Matt would replace Kochie at Sunrise following a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job.
Matt, 44, said he had ‘mixed feelings’ about the new gig as he sat on the couch with Natalie and Kochie for the announcement.
‘Just fantastic. Discouraged. So excited. Cheerful. I cannot tell you what honor and privilege this is, especially Kochie. A huge job. A huge job. And an exciting job,” he said.
Both Kochie and Natalie said they were delighted with the choice.
Matt will host his first edition of Sunrise with Natalie next Monday, June 12th.
It was confirmed on Monday that Matt would replace Kochie at Sunrise following a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job