Sam Armytage makes surprise return to Sunrise for Kochie's farewell

For the first time since she left Sunrise in 2021, Samantha Armytage made a surprise return to the breakfast show on Friday morning to celebrate her former co-host David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s farewell.

The 46-year-old, who sat on the desk alongside Kochie for eight years, commended the 67-year-old for spending a massive 21 years in his role, despite how hard it can be.

“What I want to say to you today is that this job is so incredibly difficult, and you can't say it when you're in the job because no one wants to hear you complaining, but when you're not in the job anymore you can say how hard this is,” she shared.

“There is so much scrutiny. To get up day after day and do this - the resilience, the drive, the ability, the energy to just keep coming in here every day and do that - is extraordinary. I absolutely salute you.

“I, after eight years, couldn't do it anymore. 21, I just think is an extraordinary effort.”

RELATED:

• Sunrise's Kochie breaks silence on Sam Armytage feud rumours

• Sunrise's Kochie 'snubs' replacement Matt Shirvington during farewell

• Sunrise's Mark Beretta reveals why he never wanted Kochie's job

She went on to share some advice for Kochie about adjusting to regular life after Sunrise, having gone through the experience herself over two years ago.

“After two days my sleep was completely back to normal, you'll be fine,” she laughed. “The trick is to get out of the big smoke, go somewhere where it's quiet, go back to nature and just get your sleep back in order.

“You can go out for dinner now late at night, you can go on holidays without asking permission, it’s fantastic.”

'So many happy moments'

Sam also opened up about the “thousands of happy, wonderful moments” they enjoyed together on the show.

“Who could go past our five countries in five days, which was logistically the most ridiculous thing you could ever imagine,” she remarked. “We went to the UAE, the UK, the US, Canada and Mexico in five days. It was ridiculous but so much fun, so many happy moments.

“Remember we got off the plane in London and we had a new prime minister? And this was the days before Wi-Fi on planes. Malcolm Turnbull was the prime minister, and so we had to deal with breaking news in London on the opposite side of the world. It was a massive show and I think we won the day and we didn't even know what we were talking about!”

Mel's return to Sunrise

Later in the show, Kochie’s original co-host Melissa Doyle also returned to the desk to share her advice for life after the show.

“Getting your nights back is the best thing,” she said. “Being able to go out at night and not have to do the 5:30pm dinner booking, that's so fun.

SHOP:

• Temperature-regulating loungewear is the must-have item for winter

• Stress-free car buying: How to get a seven-day test drive

• H&M's massive end of season sale: Up to 70% off dresses, jumpers and jeans

“Have fun, enjoy, especially grandad time. That's going to be the most precious. I'm just so excited for you.”

A number of celebrities also shared tributes to Kochie throughout the episode, including his idol Julie Andrews who wrote a heartfelt letter "sending many hugs" as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.