A major Channel Seven star has been tipped to replace Weekend Sunrise co-host Matt Doran, after his shock on-air resignation on Sunday.
Seven’s US Correspondent David Woiwod, who is based in Los Angeles, is likely to step into the co-hosting role opposite Monique Wright, according to news.com.au.
The Melbourne-born reporter has worked at Channel Seven for eight years and was a reporter on Sunrise from 2016 to 2020.
He moved to Los Angeles in July 2020 to become the network’s US correspondent and was promoted to US Bureau Chief in April last year.
Woiwod has developed a reputation for his engaging personality and cheeky banter when reporting.
In 2020, Woiwod was left red-faced while appearing on Sunrise when he mispronounced the name of US actress Ellen DeGeneres as ‘Allan’.
A major Channel Seven star has been tipped to replace Weekend Sunrise co-host Matt Doran (pictured), after his shock on-air resignation on Sunday
It comes after Doran called time on his five years at Weekend Sunrise.
The breakfast host, 41, made the emotional announcement live on air at the end of the show on Sunday.
The Seven star, who recently opened up about his struggles with depression on The Morning Show, said he will be taking time to focus on family and to pursue other opportunities.
‘Before we go today, a bit of breaking news from the Doran household. I want to share with you a decision I’ve made, with my beautiful wife Kendall – and of course in earnest consultation with our beloved Italian greyhound Murphy – and this is, after five years at Weekend Sunrise, I will be finishing up at the end of the year,’ he said.
‘This is something I’ve agonised over because it’s honest to say this is one of the best jobs on earth, but we think it’s right and at the right time – for our little family.
‘While I’m sad, and I’m doing everything possible presently not to look Monique in the eye, where I am right now is honestly a place of incredible gratitude for the laughs, the lessons, the tears.
‘It is my unshakeable belief this role – specifically, being entrusted with the telling of people’s most intimate, most personal stories – is one of the more privileged positions on the planet.’
Matt will present his final episode of Weekend Sunrise on Sunday, December 8, alongside Monique.
Network insiders told the Courier Mail that Seven’s US Correspodent David Woiwod (pictured), who is based in Los Angeles, is likely to step into the co-hosting role opposite Monique Wright
It comes after Doran called time on his five years at Weekend Sunrise. Pictured with co-host Monique Wright
The breakfast show host broke down in tears speaking about his friendship with his closest colleague.
‘Mon, you are not just a colleague, you are my best friend and I am going to miss you, any chance of a hug?’ he said.
In September – when Matt appeared on Morning Sunrise to spruik his latest book, Mental State, on Australia’s mental healthcare system – he bravely opened up about his own struggles with depression.
‘Are we getting better, do you think, Doctor, at putting our hand up like you did and saying, “I’ve got a problem with anxiety”?’ Matt asked Dr Cross.
‘I’ve had huge problems with depression over the last couple of years, too, but people, I think, are still frightened to come forward and say that.’
‘It’s amazing you say that… the more we talk about it the better it is,’ Dr Cross said, commending Matt for speaking so openly about his depression on television.
Matt has sparked concerns in recent years after he mysteriously disappeared from work on two separate occasions.
In June, he failed to arrive to the Seven studios for work on Weekend Sunrise.
He was replaced by news reporter Chris Reason who returned to host the breakfast show alongside Monique Wright on Saturday, June 8.
A network spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia at the time that Matt was ‘on leave’.
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