Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr CHOKES during a live broadcast

Sunrise host Samantha Armytage was forced to take over as newsreader on Wednesday after Natalie Barr started choking on air. 

Breakfast TV viewers were left shocked as Natalie, 51, struggled to breathe while reading the news bulletin at around 7.30am. 

As the show returned from a commercial break, it was immediately clear that Natalie was struggling to read the teleprompter.   

‘The Federal Government’s $158billion tax cut plan has passed the lower house overnight,’ she said, as her eyes became visibly bloodshot. 

Natalie then stopped to take a breath and clear her throat, saying: ‘Excuse me’. 

She then continued: ‘It is a huge win for Australian workers, who are now one step closer to getting money in their pocket.’ 

Despite trying regain her composure, Natalie was unable to catch her breath and could not finish the news bulletin. 

To the rescue! ‘I might just take over here because Nat is choking a little bit. So we’ll keep going with the news as she recovers,’ Samantha (left) said. Pictured with David Koch (right)

After the news item about tax cut plan finished, Sunrise co-host Sam Armytage jumped in to cover for her colleague. 

‘I might just take over here because Nat is choking a little bit. So we’ll keep going with the news as she recovers,’ Sam said. 

Despite this minor setback, Natalie was back to her normal self later on in the show. 

She’s recovered! After 9am, Natalie was spotted leaving Channel Seven’s headquarters in Martin Place, Sydney

Shortly after 9am, Natalie was spotted alive and well leaving Channel Seven’s headquarters in Martin Place, Sydney.

While stepping out of the building, she refused to answer questions about Sunrise’s ongoing feud with Married At First Sight participant Martha Kalifatidis.

Natalie’s colleague David Koch alleges that Martha ‘elbowed’ him at the Logie Awards on Sunday, claims the reality star strenuously denies.