New Sunrise host Matt Shirvington steps out in $1150 jumper

Legendary athlete turned TV host Matt Shirvington is set to replace David Koch as the new co-host of Sunrise. 

But on Wednesday morning, the 44-year-old looked a little frustrated or grumpy as he was spotted walking to his car in Balmoral Beach, on Sydney’s north shore.

The former sprinter showed off his expensive taste in a black Maison Margiela designer hoodie worth about $1,150 and wore a pair of stylish Golden Goose sneakers worth around $700. 

His trendy fashion choice follows the surprising news that inflation has gone up in Australia again, despite the Reserve Bank hiking interest rates 11 times in a year. Many economists are now tipping yet another rate hike when the RBA meets next Tuesday. 

After reaching his white XC90 B6 Volvo station wagon, Shirvington opened the door to reveal he’s just like the rest of us, with a stack of messy papers stuffed in the driver’s door storage unit.

New Sunrise host Matt Shirvington (pictured) looked a little frustrated as he was spotted walking to his car in Balmoral Beach, Sydney on Wednesday 

After reaching his white Volvo, Shirvington opened the door to reveal a stack of messy papers stuffed into the side

After reaching his white Volvo, Shirvington opened the door to reveal a stack of messy papers stuffed into the side

The official monthly measure for April was 6.8 per cent, up from 6.3 per cent in March, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed on Wednesday.

Economist Warren Hogan, the managing director of EQ Economics, said the bad news could see the Reserve Bank raise interest rates again on Tuesday to 4.1%, adding $76 a month for a $500,000 loan, or $1,134 a month since rate hikes began.

Meanwhile, former Olympic sprinter Matt will have his new role at Sunrise made official on Monday, June 5, four days before Koch films his final show as host.

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.  

It’s understood Koch himself has given Shirvington his ‘blessing’.

The Aussie athlete turned TV host is set to replace David Koch (pictured) as the new co-host of Sunrise

The Aussie athlete turned TV host is set to replace David Koch (pictured) as the new co-host of Sunrise

The former sprinter showed off his expensive taste in a black Maison Margiela designer hoodie worth around $1150

Matt was a man on a mission as he marched towards his car

The former sprinter showed off his expensive taste in a black Maison Margiela designer hoodie worth around $1150

The TV personality looked less than impressed in his black designer hoodie

The TV personality looked less than impressed in his black designer hoodie

‘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.

Matt's outing comes following news that inflation has gone up despite the Reserve Bank hiking interest rates 11 times in a year - stirring fears of another hike next week

Matt’s outing comes following news that inflation has gone up despite the Reserve Bank hiking interest rates 11 times in a year – stirring fears of another hike next week

He clutched his car keys in one hand as he opened the door and prepared to leave the beach

He clutched his car keys in one hand as he opened the door and prepared to leave the beach

It was hard to miss the messy papers stuffed inside the door of Matt's car

It was hard to miss the messy papers stuffed inside the door of Matt’s car

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.

‘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.’

Shirvington has what it takes to out-rate rival Karl Stefanovic according to an industry expert who thinks the former Aussie sprint star is more ‘relatable’. 

As Kochie readies himself for retirement after an epic 21-year reign, attention has now turned to whether or not ‘Shirvo’ can continue Sunrise’s ratings win over Today.

Shirvington (with co-host Natalie Barr) is set to begin hosting Sunrise permanently in June

Shirvington (with co-host Natalie Barr) is set to begin hosting Sunrise permanently in June

An industry expert has said that Shirvington is more 'relatable' than Channel Nine rival Karl Stefanovic (pictured)

An industry expert has said that Shirvington is more ‘relatable’ than Channel Nine rival Karl Stefanovic (pictured)

A former Olympian, network darling and audience favourite – he will take over from Koch and push for a 19th consecutive ratings victory when he assumes the hosting gig in June.

Not surprisingly the industry is abuzz with speculation about whether or not ‘Shirvo’ and co-host Natalie Barr have what it takes to retain Koch’s loyal fanbase and withstand a fresh attack from Today’s hosting combination of Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.

Veteran media analyst Steve Allen, of independent media agency Pearman Media, agreed new host Shirvington gives Today its best opportunity in years to finally turn the ratings in their favour.

However he said Shirvington is a fitting successor to Koch due largely to the fact both men are ‘genuinely relatable’ and don’t appear pre-disposed to personal life dramas like Stefanovic.

‘Because let’s be honest…Karl doesn’t always seem to be authentic,’ Allen told Daily Mail Australia.

‘It seems he is always papering over something naughty that he has done. Hardly a year goes by that Karl isn’t involved in some snafu,’ he continued. 

‘And while he might try to appear relatable, at the end of the day his personal life suggests otherwise… he is always attending silver spoon social events, going to celebrity weddings and seeking out an A-list posse of friends.

‘(Today producers) might not want us judging him for that but the reality is audiences do judge and it is a turn off.’

In comparison Shirvington is ‘genuinely down to earth’, Allen said.

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