Sunrise: New host Matt Shirvington’s handover lunch with David Koch and Natalie Barr

Newly appointed Sunrise presenter Matt Shirvington joined Natalie Barr and outgoing host David Koch for a handover lunch on Tuesday, as the Olympic sprinter prepares to front Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show.

The trio eschewed a boisterous farewell bash in favour of a quiet lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo – three days before Koch’s scheduled last day on air.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvington – or ‘Shirvo’ as he is affectionately known – shared the advice Koch had given him before taking on the top job.

He also addressed reports he is earning a salary of just half what his predecessor was on, despite Koch only working a four-day week during his last years on Sunrise.

‘Kochie said the two nicest things, which were: “You’re going to have the time of your life, and you’re a great fit for the role,”‘ Shirvington said.

The father of three, 44, was formally announced as Koch’s replacement on Monday – almost a week after Daily Mail Australia first reported the promotion.

Newly minted Sunrise host Matt Shirvington (centre) joined his new co-anchor Natalie Barr (left) and outgoing presenter David Koch (right) for a handover lunch in Sydney on Tuesday

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvington - or 'Shirvo' as he is affectionately known - shared the advice Koch had given him before taking on the top job

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvington – or ‘Shirvo’ as he is affectionately known – shared the advice Koch had given him before taking on the top job 

¿Kochie said the two nicest things, which were: "You're going to have the time of your life, and you're a great fit for the role,"' Shirvington said

‘Kochie said the two nicest things, which were: “You’re going to have the time of your life, and you’re a great fit for the role,”‘ Shirvington said

The group enjoyed a long lunch at the Spanish eatery, raising a toast over pints of beer while enjoying plates of tapas.

The three left the restaurant together, exchanging hugs and kisses before Koch and Barr entered a taxi together and Shirvington walked to his car.

The intimate gathering seemed to be far different to former Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage’s farewell lunch in 2021.

After eight years in the role, many of Armytage’s co-stars – including Koch and Barr – were conspicuously absent as the departing host celebrated her run at Catalina. 

Barr gave Koch a kiss on the cheek after their lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo

Barr gave Koch a kiss on the cheek after their lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo

When asked if he thought his $400,000 salary was low for such a demanding and high-profile job, Shirvington said: 'I don't really know. I'm just happy in the role'

When asked if he thought his $400,000 salary was low for such a demanding and high-profile job, Shirvington said: ‘I don’t really know. I’m just happy in the role’

The group enjoyed a long lunch at the Spanish eatery, raising a toast over pints of beer while enjoying plates of tapas

The group enjoyed a long lunch at the Spanish eatery, raising a toast over pints of beer while enjoying plates of tapas 

Koch looked cheerful as he spoke to Barr and his successor Shirvington

Koch looked cheerful as he spoke to Barr and his successor Shirvington 

Despite dedicating much of his post-athletics media career to the Seven Network, Shirvington’s salary is far less than Koch’s rumoured $1.5 million-a-year pay packet – which he negotiated in addition to a lighter Monday-to-Thursday schedule.

Instead, he is understood to have signed an initial $400,000-a-year salary agreement with the network – subject to an increase come ratings time.

When asked if he thought his pay was low for such a demanding and high-profile job, Shirvington said: ‘I don’t really know. I’m just happy in the role.’

A well-placed television executive said this week his salary could soar to $750,000 if the ratings and audience feedback play in his favour.

The three left the restaurant together, exchanging hugs and kisses before Koch and Barr entered a taxi together and Shirvington walked to his car

The three left the restaurant together, exchanging hugs and kisses before Koch and Barr entered a taxi together and Shirvington walked to his car

Barr placed a hand on Shirvington's shoulder and kissed his cheek as she said goodbye

Barr placed a hand on Shirvington’s shoulder and kissed his cheek as she said goodbye

‘Shirvo is young, good-looking and charismatic, but he’s still relatively untested, which is why he’s getting paid half of what Kochie earned,’ the source said.

‘If he can maintain or even boost ratings, the sky’s the limit.’

The ratings year in Australia ends in late November, meaning Shirvington has almost six months to prove himself a winner with viewers.

In TV land, the end of the ratings year coincides with hirings, firings, pay bumps and contract renegotiations – so this would likely be when Shirvo learns if he’s getting a salary boost.

However, money does not seem to be the main motivator for Shirvington taking on the Sunrise gig.

He already owns a $12.5million mansion overlooking Sirius Cove in Mosman, one of Sydney’s most exclusive postcodes.

The Seven Network released the first promo photos of 'Nat and Shirvo' on Monday morning

The Seven Network released the first promo photos of ‘Nat and Shirvo’ on Monday morning 

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