After 21 years on the program, David ‘Kochie’ Koch resigned from his hosting position on Sunrise and now his replacement has been confirmed!
It is arguably one of the highest profiled jobs in Australia, naturally there are a selective number of candidates with the right skill sets to fill the position.
Matt is joining Sunrise.
(Image: Instagram)But the new Sunrise host is none other than former Olympian Matt Shirvington. David and his co-host Natalie Barr announced the news on Sunrise this morning.
Upon the announcement, Matt said: “I’m so excited but also humbled by the opportunity to co-host such an important show to so many Australians. It’s a privilege to follow on from Kochie. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, humility and a whole lot of fun, and I can’t wait to continue adding to that.
“A big thank you to the Seven executive team, in particular James Warburton and Craig McPherson, for backing me to do this. Sunrise is a tight-knit team of talented and passionate people who work ridiculously hard – none more so than Sarah Stinson and Sean Power. I admire you all and won’t let you down.
“This is a huge life shift for me that will take some juggling at home, and something I couldn’t have done without the loving support of Jess and our kids.
“To my new on-air family, particularly Nat, thanks for making me feel so welcome right from the start. Brekky Central, my new home. I like the sound of that!”
Meet the new Sunrise dream team.
(Image: Instagram)From the start, Matt was the favourite considering the sports presenter was already a regular host on Fridays, as Kochie works a four day week, and he filled in whenever one of the anchors went on holidays.
He reportedly impressed the executives when he covered for Kochie during his annual leave.
Plus, Kochie gave fans a little sneak peak while speaking on Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa, as the former host revealed his replacement would be “younger and better looking.”
However, Kochie was very smart in avoiding saying his predecessors name.
Prior to the announcement, the Daily Mail alleged Channel Seven insiders confirmed Matt was Kochie’s replacement.
“David believes Matt is a great fit and thinks he will do a fantastic job,” an insider allegedly told the Daily Mail.
“He’s been filling in for David for a few years now and has earned his stripes. Viewers like him and he is very-well regarded internally so it’s a natural step up for him.”
WATCH: Matt Shirvington’s Highs And Lows From His Olympics Career. Article continues after the video.
Fans did hope Dr Chris Brown would be joining Sunrise given the timing of his departure from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Australia.
However, fans must wait again as Chris’ show in which he will be hosting is yet to be confirmed – his contract doesn’t commence until July 1.
Other contestants believed to be considered for the role was Sunrise’s Mark Beretta who has featured on the program since 2004 and replaced Kochie during the Christmas holidays.
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