Today Show host Karl Stefanovic dealt a brutal blow to outgoing Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Wednesday following his shock dismissal.
Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney’s Crown this week: “To be honest, I’m glad he’s gone.”
Karl made the playful joke while paying tribute to the TV veteran, 67, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday.
A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage all attended the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday.
Kochie revealed last Monday that he would be leaving Sunrise after 21 years and will be replaced by former Olympic athlete Matt Shirvington, 44.
Today Show host Karl Stefanovic dealt a brutal blow to outgoing Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Wednesday, following his shock dismissal
According to sky newscredited Karl Kochie for paving the way for him and many others in the TV industry.
“He’s pulling up stumps at the end of this week and I just want to thank him for what a great career it’s been,” said Karl.
“It has been extraordinary for 21 years. He has risen with the bakers and the road workers; and he has cracked it all over the country.
Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney’s Crown this week: “To be honest, I’m glad he’s gone.” Karl made the playful joke while paying tribute to the TV veteran, 67, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday
A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage all attended the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday. Karl is pictured at the event
“That can’t understate the impact he’s had. He’s changed the whole way breakfast news and TV are done in this country, and he’s allowed someone like me, a loose unit, to come along and do the same thing for however long I’ve been doing it.”
On Tuesday, Kochie revealed he received a “great” message from his breakfast TV rival Karl after announcing he was leaving Sunrise.
“Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. Incredible messages,” he said.
‘A beautiful, stylish, respectful one from Karl Stefanovic. It was so much fun, really love that one, but so many great messages.”
According to Sky News, Karl has credited Kochie with paving the way for him and many others in the TV industry
Kochie also told Daily Mail Australia on Monday that he received a text from one of his old co-hosts Melissa Doyle.
“I just checked because I have a lot of messages, I saw one from Mel and I’m sure there will be a lot of others in the list, but I’ve spoken to a lot of journalists and done interviews. ,’ he said.
Kochie surprised his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the popular breakfast show after 21 years.
Behind-the-scenes photos show his co-hosts Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta getting emotional between breaks.
During his on air announcement, Natalie looked heartbroken when Kochie said he had spent more time with her than with members of his own family in recent years.
Kochie surprised his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the popular breakfast show after 21 years
He said he left the hit show to focus on his own business and enjoy more flexible work hours to spend time with his growing family.
Kochie joined Sunrise in 2002 to present financial reports and in October of that year became Chris Reason’s replacement when the journalist was diagnosed with cancer.
Shirvington, 44, said he had “mixed feelings” about the new gig as he sat on the couch with Barr and Koch 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.
Shirvington, 44, said he had ‘mixed feelings’ about the new gig as he sat on the bench with Barr and Koch for the announcement
Both Kochie and Barr said they were delighted with the choice.
“What we always do is if you’re a member of the family, you remain a member of the family, aren’t you. And you will get through it. And you’ve been fantastic to fill in and every Friday it’s been sensational. You’re going to be sensational. You’re going to be a perfect fit,” Koch said.
“I loved every minute of my time at Sunrise,” Koch said on the air about his firing.
“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 loved every minute of my time at Sunrise,” Koch said on the air about his firing. “I’ve been privileged to have so many adventures, meet so many incredible people, and cover so many moments of history in the making”