Sunrise host David Koch, 65, addresses retirement: 'See how we go'

He'll be celebrating two decades at the helm of Channel 7's brekkie TV show next year but Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

The 65-year-old, who co-hosts Sunrise with Nat Barr, has addressed his plans for retirement in a chat with Woman's Day.

Kochie talks retirement

Kochie told the publication that his current contract with the network ends in late 2022 and, while he's 'still enjoying' the job his future on the small screen is in viewers' hands.

"I've got another year on my contract [at Channel 7]. We'll see how we go next year," he said.

"[I'll stay] while I'm still enjoying it and while viewers want me to do it. They're the ultimate boss," he added.

Kochie joined Sunrise in 2002 as a fill-in for host Chris Reason, who stepped down after discovering his cancer had returned.

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Kochie quickly became a permanent host alongside Melissa Doyle, with the pair helping the show's ratings soar. Mel left Sunrise in 2013 and was replaced by Samantha Armytage who in turn departed after eight years in March 2021.

Kochie's third co-host, Nat Barr was introduced days after Sam's exit. In recent years, Kochie has reduced his workload and presents four days a week with Matt Doran filling in with Nat on Fridays.

Kochie's growing brood

Kochie has plenty to keep him busy in his personal life, with four adult children and a rapidly growing brood of grandchildren.

The proud 'Poppy,' as he's known to his grandkids, welcomed his eighth grandchild at the end of November.

Earlier in December, he took to his Instagram to introduce his son AJ and wife Carolina's first child, a baby girl named Catalina May Koch.

Four-week-old Catalina joins Matilda, 14, Oscar, 12, Lila, 10, Jax, 9, Teddy, 5, Ella, 18 months and Florence, seven weeks.

“Welcome to the family Catalina May Koch,” the breakfast TV star captioned a sweet photo of the newborn.

“3.7kg 51cm grandchild #8; Port Adelaide Member #1202182; Foundation @pafc AFLW member.”

“Our little Mexican burrito has arrived,” he continued. “Congratulations to Pepe and Laura on their first grandchild. Our cultural diversity is one of the things I love about our country. It has so enriched my family.

“P.S. If you’re thinking ‘hasn’t he just had a new grandchild’ you’re right. Florence was born 3 weeks ago… It is going to be so much fun watching these two cousins grow together.”

Florence May Brown is the fourth child of Kochie’s eldest daughter, Samantha.

Earlier that week, Kochie shared a second photo on Instagram of himself and his wife, Libby, holding their two new grandchildren.

“When Cali met Florrie,” he wrote. “How blessed we are to have two little granddaughters born within three weeks of each other.

“Watching these cousins grow is going to be fun. Great to have Cali home… And to top off a great day her other grandparents, Pepe and Laura from Guadalajara, received their visa to come for Christmas.”

Kochie later replied to a follower on Twitter and explained why both Catalina and Florence share the middle name ‘May’.

“My Mum’s name,” he said. “She now has 14 great-grandchildren, 9 under 5 years old. Going to be a wild Christmas table.”

With additional reporting by Sarah Carty.

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