David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced his shock departure from Channel Seven morning show Sunrise after a remarkable 21-year tenure.
And there are several contenders poised to fill the shoes of the beloved breakfast show stalwart.
Sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvington is a frontrunner to occupy Kochie’s esteemed seat after covering for the father-of-four several times while he was on holidays.
Shirvington especially impressed viewers while covering for Kochie during his leave last year, seamlessly adapting to the role.
Currently co-hosting Sunrise on Fridays in Kochie’s absence, he has also reportedly gained the confidence of the Seven Network’s top brass, as per The Australian.
David ‘Kochie’ Koch surprised the nation with his departure announcement from the popular morning show, Sunrise, on Monday following a remarkable 21-year stint
Now Daily Mail Australia has unveiled the leading contenders poised to fill the shoes of the beloved breakfast show stalwart
Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car-crash $1million interview with British superstar Adele at the end of November has most likely taken him out of the race.
The reporter had flown to London to interview the chart-topping singer, 33, for the Seven Network – but shockingly admitted during the chat he hadn’t actually listened to her new album.
An ‘offended’ Adele was then said to have walked out of the interview, which Doran denied.
The network allegedly spent $1million on the ill-fated interview, plus her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey and footage from her One Night Only concert.
Doran later issued a grovelling apology to Adele on Weekend Sunrise and blamed the saga on a ‘missed email’, before admitting the interview was meant to be ‘one of the highlights’ of his career.
Meanwhile fellow Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta is another strong contender following his successful stint filling in for Kochie during the Christmas holidays last year.
He also has a good rapport with Natalie Barr after starring on the show for over a decade.
Sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvington, is now a strong frontrunner to occupy Kochie’s esteemed seat. Matt pictured with co-host Natalie Barr
Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie
Viewers have even recommended fellow host Mark Beretta, another Sunrise veteran, as a permanent replacement, following his successful stint during the Christmas holidays
There has also been some speculation former I’m a Celebrity host Dr. Chris Brown could replace Kochie, as he recently jumped ship from Channel Ten to Seven.
However, it’s believed Chris will instead be fronting a home renovation show and isn’t destined for breakfast.
Kochie’s replacement will most likely be announced this week as he is set to wrap up his time on the show in two weeks.
The long-serving host could hardly contain his emotions during Monday’s episode as he bid farewell to the show that has been an integral part of his life for over two decades.
‘These 21 years have been a time of immense joy and privilege for me, where I’ve had the opportunity to explore myriad adventures, encounter countless remarkable individuals, and report on historical events as they unfolded,’ Kochie said in a statement.
Kochie began his illustrious journey on Sunrise in an era predating the ubiquity of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and before iPhones became a fixture of everyday life.
Through his years on Sunrise, Kochie has shared screen time with co-hosts Nat, Beretts, and Dave Walters, who he candidly mentioned, have been with him throughout most of his journey on the show.
‘Our viewers, who have invigorated me each day, will be sorely missed, as will the chance to work alongside my incredible team,’ he confessed.
David Koch expressed his gratitude to the Seven Network for its unwavering support, acknowledging their tolerance for his occasional errors and their ceaseless encouragement.
Moving forward, Kochie’s focus will be shifting towards a standard work schedule and enjoying a more flexible lifestyle.
Along with his wife, Libby, he is eager to spend more time with their growing family, engage in more travel and focus on their family business interests, which include Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel.
However, Kochie reassured his viewers that he isn’t disappearing completely from the financial scene.
‘Given my penchant for finance, it is likely you will see me occasionally during RBA board meeting days or during significant financial news broadcasts, albeit as a guest rather than a host,’ he said.
With Sunrise marking almost 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most-viewed breakfast show, Kochie believes it’s the perfect milestone to ‘exit stage left.’
He expressed his immense pride and gratitude for the journey, thanking his viewers for the privilege of serving them all these years.
