Frontrunners to replace David Koch on Sunrise revealed after his shock exit

The most high-profile job in Australian TV became vacant today with the announcement David ‘Kochie’ Koch will be stepping down as co-host of Sunrise.

There are several likely candidates for the job from the ranks of Channel Seven – as well as a wild card contender – but all signs point to one person taking over the gig.

Former Olympian Matt Shirvington is the bookies’ favourite to occupy Kochie’s seat, having been the breakfast show’s go-to fill-in for the last couple of years.

The sports presenter is already the regular host on Fridays – Kochie only works a four-day week – and also steps in whenever one of the anchors goes on holiday.

Shirvington, known to viewers as ‘Shirvo’, impressed executives last year when he covered for Kochie during his annual leave, seamlessly adapting to the role.

He reportedly gained the confidence of Seven’s top brass, reports The Australian.

The most high-profile job in Australian TV became vacant today with the announcement David ‘Kochie’ Koch (pictured) will be stepping down as co-host of Sunrise after 21 years 

There are several likely candidates for the job - as well as a wild card contender - but all signs point to one person taking over the gig. (Pictured: Koch with his co-anchor Natalie Barr, left)

There are several likely candidates for the job – as well as a wild card contender – but all signs point to one person taking over the gig. (Pictured: Koch with his co-anchor Natalie Barr, left)

Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car-crash $1million interview with British superstar Adele in late 2021 has 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.

Fellow Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta is another strong contender following his successful stint filling in for Kochie during the Christmas holidays last year.

The sportscaster also has a good rapport with Natalie Barr after starring on the show for more than a decade.

Former Olympian Matt Shirvington (right) is the bookies' favourite to occupy Kochie's seat, having been the breakfast show's go-to fill-in for the last couple of years

Former Olympian Matt Shirvington (right) is the bookies’ favourite to occupy Kochie’s seat, having been the breakfast show’s go-to fill-in for the last couple of years 

Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran (right) was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car-crash $1million interview with Adele in late 2021 has likely taken him out of the race

Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran (right) was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car-crash $1million interview with Adele in late 2021 has likely taken him out of the race 

Fellow Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta (pictured) is another strong contender following his successful stint filling in for Kochie during the Christmas holidays last year

Fellow Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta (pictured) is another strong contender following his successful stint filling in for Kochie during the Christmas holidays last year 

There has also been speculation former I’m a Celebrity host Dr Chris Brown could replace Kochie, after 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.

There has also been speculation former I'm a Celebrity host Dr. Chris Brown (second to right) could replace Kochie, after he recently jumped ship from Channel 10 to Seven

There has also been speculation former I’m a Celebrity host Dr. Chris Brown (second to right) could replace Kochie, after he recently jumped ship from Channel 10 to Seven

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 journey on Sunrise in an era predating the ubiquity of social media, and before iPhones became a fixture of everyday life.

Kochie began his 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

Kochie began his 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. David pictured with his grandchildren

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. David pictured with his grandchildren

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.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk