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Star tipped to replace Sunrise's David 'Kochie' Koch amid exit plans
Sports presenter Matt Shirvington is tipped to step into David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s shoes as rumours swirl around his exit from Sunrise.
Kochie has hosted Brekky Central for 20 years, but is expected to leave the show at the end of 2024.
The Olympian filled in for Kochie while he was on leave six weeks ago, and Seven network executives were stunned by how natural he was in the role.
Shirvington currently co-hosts Sunrise on Fridays instead of Kochie, and The Australian reports that he has ‘the backing’ of Seven's top executives.
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The publication reports that while Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was originally supposed to be Kochie’s successor, Shrivington has now become the ‘chosen stand-in’ whenever Kochie is away.
Fans don’t need to worry just yet, as the beloved host signed a contract renewal in October, meaning he will continue to appear on Australian screens until the end of 2024.
Seven’s CEO James Warburton convinced the star to stick with the breakfast show, but Kochie negotiated ‘greater flexibility’ as part of the new deal.
This means he will likely reduce the days he is on air, to allow for more time with his family and on his other business ventures. It also gives the network a chance to introduce the future co-host slowly, so they don’t risk scaring any long-term viewers away.
Kochie addresses retirement rumours
This comes after Kochie addressed his future with the breakfast show in an interview with The Australian.
“After 20 years, I’ve felt I needed more flexibility in my life with my wife Libby and my business interests,” Kochie said.
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"So when I mentioned leaving to Seven, James very kindly asked me whether we could work together on a plan that I wanted, which also kept my connection to the network and my focus on Sunrise,” he added. “I love [Sunrise] dearly. So I’m really fortunate to have the best of all worlds.”
The Brekky Central host first joined the show after Chris Reason stepped down in 2002, and was a big part in the ratings jump for Seven.
Fans react to the news
After hearing who Kochie's potential successor would be, many fans were excited by the change.
"I would rather watch Matt than Kochie!!!! Bring it on now!!!!" one person exclaimed on social media.
"2024 come on, wish it was sooner lol," another quipped.
"Great choice. Well done Matt," a third chimed in.
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