Samantha Armytage returns to Sunrise for host David Koch’s final day and gets a frosty reception

Samantha Armytage has returned to the Sunrise set for the first time since walking away from the top-rating breakfast show in 2021. 

Armytage sat on the couch she had owned for several years during her own reign as co-host of the show to farewell departing host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Friday.

While Koch smiled happily at his former colleague’s return, Armytage’s successor Natalie Barr seemed less pleased.

Samantha famously ‘upset’ Barr with a snarky tweet after departing the show in March, 2021.

Sam famously tweeted: ‘Look, I’m out. Nat’s wanted the job forever… and she’s finally got it. She just needs to get on and enjoy it – and forget about me (even though I’m unforgettable).’ 

Samantha Armytage [centre] has returned to the Sunrise set for the first time since walking away from the top-rating breakfast show in 2021

Sunrise host Natalie Barr was reportedly ‘gutted’ by her predecessor Sam Armytage’s hurtful tweet months after her 2021 departure, suggesting she was desperate for the top job.

The 55-year-old was not expecting the former anchor, 46, to be so ‘snarky’ after they’d worked together on Seven’s breakfast show for years, a source told New Idea.

‘No one was more shocked and saddened over Sam’s comments than Nat,’ the insider claimed. ‘She is gutted and has no idea why the snarkiness continues, even though Sam has been gone [from Sunrise] for months.’

Meanwhile, the Sunrise team is said to be trying to ‘make light’ of the situation.

The source added: ‘It has got to the stage where the Sunrise gang have a bit of a laugh wondering what little surprise bombshell Sam is going to drop next.

‘But truthfully, Nat just wants it to end and be put to bed.’

Meanwhile, Natalie’s position as co-anchor is reportedly ‘safe as houses’, with Seven management happy with her performance and the ratings.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven for comment and clarification.

The former co-host sat on the couch she had owned for several years during her own reign on Sunrise to farewell departing host David 'Kochie' Koch on Friday

The former co-host sat on the couch she had owned for several years during her own reign on Sunrise to farewell departing host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Friday

Sunrise star Koch was treated to a special breakfast on his last day hosting the breakfast show on Friday. 

The TV veteran, who has been the face of the top-rating morning program for 21 years, was seen tucking into a tasty egg and bacon roll in-between takes, before washing it down with a milky coffee. 

Kochie leaned over the news desk as his munched on the greasy sandwich to avoid getting any food on his pristine suit while his co-host Natalie Barr practised her lines. 

Earlier, the 67-year-old got teary when his grandchildren appeared on-air to pay tribute to their grandad. 

‘He is always very kind and always gives us advice and tactics for our sport game and the eyespot assemblies. Always supportive and he has taught us to have half glassful perspective,’ they said. 

Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch was treated to a special breakfast on his very last day hosting the breakfast show

Kochie’s last day started out hilariously, with weatherman Sam Mac taking a pot shot at the outgoing host. 

During his weather segment, Mac pointed out that the Sunrise offices were almost completely empty for Koch’s farewell. 

‘Very exciting day, emotional, a real testament to how much you are loved, Kochie, looking at all the staff here,’ joked Mac as the camera panned across the darkened office.

The sledges didn’t end there, with Mac then pointing out a hilarious sign on the door of Koch’s office.

‘Olympians Only’ read the sign, a nod to the fact the 67-year-old was to be replaced by Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington.

The TV veteran, who has been the face of the top-rating morning program for 21 years, was seen tucking into a tasty egg and bacon roll in-between takes, before washing it down with a milky coffee

The TV veteran, who has been the face of the top-rating morning program for 21 years, was seen tucking into a tasty egg and bacon roll in-between takes, before washing it down with a milky coffee

The TV veteran, who has been the face of the top-rating morning program for 21 years, was seen tucking into a tasty egg and bacon roll in-between takes, before washing it down with a milky coffee

The 67-year-old's last day started out hilariously, with Sam Mac taking a pot shot at the outgoing host

The 67-year-old’s last day started out hilariously, with Sam Mac taking a pot shot at the outgoing host 

‘This is your office, or it was, someone has already taken it over,’ said Mac, before leading the camera crew into the room.

Inside, the word ‘SHIRVONATOR’ had been plastered across the wall. 

Below it were several of Shirvington’s famous magazine covers over the years, including one of the former Olympian riding a horse in his underwear. 

During his weather segment, Mac pointed out that the Sunrise offices were almost completely empty for Koch's farewell

During his weather segment, Mac pointed out that the Sunrise offices were almost completely empty for Koch’s farewell

‘It said in the weekend paper that publicity tried to bury that [image] of him,’ said a laughing Natalie Barr.

On a desk was a ‘to-do’ list, purportedly written by Shirvington himself.

One of the points posed on the whiteboard read, ‘Do we need weather????’ 

‘Yes we do, Matt,’ joked Mac.

‘Credit to the man, he moves fast and well,’ said the weather presenter.

On a desk was a 'to-do' list, purportedly written by Shirvington himself

On a desk was a ‘to-do’ list, purportedly written by Shirvington himself

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years.

During his on air announcement, Natalie looked heartbroken when Kochie said he had spent more time with her over the past few years than with members of his own family.

He said he was leaving the hit show to focus on his own businesses and to enjoy more flexible work hours to spend time with his growing family.

Kochie joined Sunrise to present finance reports in 2002 and in October that year became Chris Reason’s replacement when the journalist was diagnosed with cancer.

Matt Shirvington, 44, who will replace Kochie, said he was feeling ‘mixed emotions’ about the new gig.

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years

Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years

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