Seven announces Matt Doran's replacement on Weekend Sunrise: 'Beyond excited'

Just a few days after Matt Doran’s final broadcast, Channel Seven has announced who will be replacing him as the new host of Weekend Sunrise. While James Tobin, Sam Mac and Larry Emdur were reportedly in the running to take over the role, the network revealed on Thursday morning that David Woiwod will be joining Monique Wright on the couch.

David recently returned to Australia from the US this week where he has been based for the past five years as 7NEWS’ US Bureau Chief and was previously Sunrise’s resident Melbourne reporter for four years. He will be stepping into his new role as co-host of Weekend Sunrise on Saturday.

RELATED:

• Sunrise star sparks 'chaos' during his final show with rogue act

• Weekend Sunrise viewers 'devastated' as Matt Doran announces exit: 'Crying'

• Sunrise's Edwina Bartholomew shares emotional confession amid cancer battle

“Five years on the road as a foreign correspondent covering the world’s biggest events has prepared me for the major stories, early hours and bad coffee that 3am starts demand – I’m excited and ready,” he said in a statement.

“In all seriousness, this is a thrilling full circle moment for me. I’m beyond excited to return to the Sunrise family and to keep telling the stories that matter most to Australians.

“Mon is the most talented, generous, hilarious and wickedly smart person to work with and I look forward to riding her coattails until the bosses notice. Aussies lead busy lives, so to be invited into their homes on precious weekend mornings is a privilege not lost on me.”

Who is David Woiwod?

David began his TV career as a political reporter for Channel 10 in 2011 before moving to London in 2015 and working for Associated Press and Sky. He then joined Sunrise in 2016 as the show's resident Melbourne reporter and moved to Los Angeles in July 2020, becoming Seven’s US Bureau Chief in April 2023.

Seven’s Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson, said in a statement that the network is “delighted” to welcome David back to the Sunrise family.

“David’s depth of experience, strong work ethic and authentic warmth make him the perfect choice for this role,” she said. “He’s a passionate storyteller, he delivers news with integrity, and he has an outrageous sense of humour. Viewers are in for an entertaining ride!”

“But all of that is insignificant to the awe I felt witnessing his moves on the dance floor at a Sunrise Christmas Party a few years ago. I even think he crowd-surfed at one point. Massive respect. I can’t wait to spend weekends with such a legend.”

Viewers react to new host: 'Eye candy'

Fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement over the announcement and welcome David into the role, with one person writing: “This is the best!”

“Great choice. Welcome David,” another added, while a third remarked, “Bit of eye candy for your weekends now”.

“I love David. It’s like watching Clark Kent reporting the news,” someone else shared, followed by a different user who said, “Congratulations to David and welcome home! I have always liked him on Sunrise, best reporter by far”.

“Huge congratulations David welcome to the Weekend Sunrise family. What a blast you and Mon will have together. I’m looking forward to seeing what you two get up to,” another replied.

Sunrise’s roving reporter Katie Brown also commented: “Congratulations @dawoiwod very excited for you!”

SHOP:

• The chic and super soft bedding you can curate to your own unique style

• Free product that could help increase your home's value by $112,000

• $7.50 supermarket hack to make Christmas dessert in under 5 minutes

What will Matt Doran do after Weekend Sunrise?

Although he’s saying goodbye to breakfast TV, Matt will continue working at Channel Seven. He said during his on air farewell that he began working at the network in 2017 with a background in crime and documentaries, and he is “being pulled back in that direction again now”.

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.