Today Show host Karl Stefanovic delivered a cheeky blow to outgoing Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Wednesday, after his shock resignation.
Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney’s Crown this week: ‘To be honest, I’m glad he’s gone.’
Karl made the playful joke while paying tribute to the TV veteran, 67, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday.
A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage were all in attendance at the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday.
Kochie revealed he was leaving Sunrise last Monday after 21 years and will be replaced by former Olympic athlete Matt Shirvington, 44.
Today Show host Karl Stefanovic delivered a cheeky blow to outgoing Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Wednesday, after his shock resignation
According to Sky News, Karl credited Kochie for paving the way for him and many others in the TV industry.
‘He pulls up stumps at the end of this week and I just want to pay my respects to him on what a wonderful career it has been,’ Karl said.
‘It has been an extraordinary one for 21 years. He’s got up with the bakers and the road workers; and he has crunched it out across the nation.
Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney’s Crown this week: ‘To be honest, I’m glad he’s gone.’ Karl made the playful joke while paying tribute to the TV veteran, 67, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday
A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage were all in attendance at the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday. Karl is pictured at the event
‘That can’t be underestimated the impact he has had. He’s changed the whole way that breakfast news and TV is done in this country, and has allowed someone like me, a loose unit, to come along and also do the same for however long I do it for.’
On Tuesday, Kochie revealed he had received a ‘wonderful’ message from his breakfast TV rival Karl after announcing he was leaving Sunrise.
‘Thank you to everyone who has been so lovely. Unbelievable messages,’ he said.
‘A wonderful, classy, respectful one from Karl Stefanovic. It was so nice, really adored that one but so many great messages.’
According to Sky News, Karl credited Kochie for paving the way for him and many others in the TV industry
Kochie also told Daily Mail Australia on Monday he received a text message from one from his longtime co-hosts Melissa Doyle.
‘I’ve just glanced, because I’ve got lots of messages, I saw one from Mel and I’m sure there will be a whole bunch of others in the list but I’ve been talking to lots of journos and doing interviews,’ he said.
Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years.
Behind the scenes photos show his co-hosts Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta overcome with emotion in between breaks in filming.
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.
Kochie stunned his colleagues on Monday when he announced his resignation from the hit breakfast show after 21 years
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.
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.
Shirvington, 44, said he was feeling ‘mixed emotions’ about the new gig as he joined Barr and Koch on the couch for the announcement
Both Kochie and Barr said they were thrilled with the choice.
‘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.
‘I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise,’ Koch said on air about his resignation.
‘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.’
‘I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise,’ Koch said on air about his resignation. ‘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’
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