Matt Shirvington officially announced as the new host of Sunrise after David Koch steps down

Athletics star turned TV host Matt Shirvington has been crowned David Koch’s successor at Sunrise after a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job.

The official announcement was made during the breakfast show on Monday morning, four days before Koch films his final show on Friday. 

Shirvington, 44, said he was feeling ‘mixed emotions’ about the new gig as he joined Barr and Koch 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. 

Both Koch and Barr said they were thrilled with the choice.  

The official announcement was made during the breakfast show on Monday morning, four days before Koch films his final show on Friday

‘What we do always is when you’re a member of the family, you stay a member of the family, don’t you. And you come through. And you’ve been fantastic filling in and every Friday, it’s been sensational. You are going to been sensational. You are going to be the perfect fit,’ Koch said. 

Earlier in the show he teased his replacement, telling viewers ‘ I will guarantee they will be younger and better looking. That’s open to everybody! It’s a wide field,’ he said. 

It comes after Channel Seven insiders last week exclusively confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Shirvington, who has been tipped as Koch’s likely replacement since the Beijing Olympics, would get the top job.

The new appointment follows a carefully curated training process for the popular ‘Shirvo’ who is widely liked by Seven’s top executives as well as by viewers.

Koch gave Shirvington his ‘blessing’ ahead of the takeover.

‘David believes Matt is a great fit and thinks he will do a fantastic job,’ an insider told Daily Mail Australia.

‘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.’

Shirvington was earmarked for the job back in 2020 when he took part in Seven’s Olympic coverage team – a role he carried well in the delayed Games in 2021 and one that inevitably earned him his ‘hosting stripes’.

He also cut his teeth with hosting roles on the the mini-golf games show Holey Moley and Ultimate Tag which, while not a hit in the ratings, provided more evidence he had the ‘chops’ to handle a major format.

Shirvington, who has spent the past two years waiting in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter, will soon begin the daily 3am wake-up call slog – one of several factors which ultimately led to Koch’s decision to step down after 21 years.

The 67-year-old TV legend shared the news of his decision first with Sunrise viewers and staff during Monday morning’s show.

Koch (pictured with Sunrise guest Katy Perry) has given the former Australian sprint champion his ‘blessing’

Shirvington ended his athletics career in 2006 with five consecutive National Titles in the 100m and five top-three finishes nationally in the 200m

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

‘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.’

Sunrise airs live from 5.30am weekdays on Channel 7 and 7plus