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Kochie's 'goodbye' post sends Sunrise fans into panic: 'Is this it?'
David ‘Kochie’ Koch sent fans into a panic when he shared an emotional tribute on his 18 year anniversary as host of Sunrise that many interpreted as a wistful goodbye.
“18 year anniversary co-hosting @sunrise7,” he captioned a collage of his time on the show on Instagram on Monday.
“It has been an unbelievable experience and privilege. Thank you for the opportunity. Looking forward to what’s ahead,” he added.
The collage provided a snapshot of the 64-year-old’s time on Sunrise including interviewing singer Katy Perry, visiting Antarctica and trying his hand at tobogganing.
Many viewers of the morning program took Kochie’s message to mean he was quitting his role prompting uproar in the comments section.
“Are you leaving Sunrise?” asked one.
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“That’s it cancel 2020. Our mornings are over, OVAH,” wrote another.
One fan harkened back to Kochie’s former co-host, Melissa Doyle, who departed the show in 2013 after 11 years.
“So when Mel left it felt like my parents separated now you’re leaving? Great now I’m an orphan,” they joked.
Thankfully, Kochie himself hopped in to reassure concerned viewers that he wasn’t going anywhere.
“Kochie... Please explain??? Will you be on tomorrow? Is this it??” one particularly upset fan asked.
“Of course. There’s [sic] a few more years in the old bloke yet. Love doing Sunrise,” he responded.
With the confusion cleared up, fans were free to breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate tuning in to Kochie and his current co-host, Samantha Armytage, the following morning.
“KOCHIE ISNT LEAVING,” exclaimed one.
“Oh Phew, thank goodness, 2020 has been rough enough,” remarked another.
Kochie joined Mel on Sunrise in 2002 when existing host Chris Reason stepped back following his cancer diagnosis. The pair was a hit with audiences and the show became the most-watched breakfast TV program in the country, a title it still holds today.
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