Inside Natalie Barr’s secret meeting with Kochie before he announced he was stepping down

Natalie Barr has revealed the secret meeting she had with her Sunrise co-host David Koch before he announced his departure from the breakfast show after 21 years.

The 55-year-old told Woman’s Day she broke down in tears after Kochie ‘pulled her into an office’ and told her that he was going to resign.

‘I cried and he was like “Don’t do that” but I said “I can’t speak to you about this right now because I’m too upset”,’ she explained.

‘I was really sad that such a good working relationship was coming to an end.’

Natalie also revealed she is ‘excited’ to be working alongside Sunrise’s new co-host Matt Shirvington.

‘Everyone is really happy with the choice. As sad as it will be to see Kochie leave, I’m excited for the next chapter,’ she added.

It was confirmed on Monday that Matt would be replacing Kochie on Sunrise after a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job.

Matt, 44, said he was feeling ‘mixed emotions’ about the new gig as he joined Natalie and Kochie on the couch for the announcement.

‘Just amazing. Daunted. So excited. Happy. Cannot tell you the honour and privilege this is, Kochie, particularly. A huge job. A huge job. And an exciting job,’ he said. 

The 55-year-old told Woman’s Day on Monday, she broke down in tears after Kochie ‘pulled her into an office’ and told her that he was going to resign

Both Kochie and Natalie said they were thrilled with the choice.

Matt will co-host his first edition of Sunrise with Natalie next Monday, 12 June.

Kochie shared the news of his decision to leave the helm on last Monday morning’s show.

‘I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise,’ he said on air.

Natalie also said she’s ‘excited’ to work alongside Sunrise’s new co-host Matt Shirvington (pictured)

‘I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people, and to cover so many moments of history in the making.’

Seven West Media Chairman, Kerry Stokes said: ‘I will personally miss David, as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the manner 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 come to an end, and I admire and respect his decision to step away from Sunrise while he’s at the top of his game.’

On Monday, it was confirmed that Matt would be replacing Kochie on Sunrise after a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job