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Natalie Barr reveals 'nightmarish' start to Sunrise duties
Natalie Barr has opened up about transitioning into co-hosting duties on Sunrise this week, admitting the first day was “a bit nightmarish”.
The newsreader, who has been with the popular breakfast program for 18 years, stepped up to co-host alongside David Koch after Samantha Armytage's decision to leave the show.
Nat said being in the spotlight wasn't her "natural habitat" and it will take some getting used to.
“I love covering the news, I love going out to these stories. But the attention on me is not my natural habitat," she told TV Blackbox.
“The first day, was probably a bit nightmarish for me because everyone kept asking ‘How are you, how are you going, what’s it like, first day.
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“I just wanted to go back to the new normal, where we’ll actually be covering the news, and the events and the great interviews that we do – not me!”
The 52-year-old also revealed how nervous she was when she got the phone call about taking on the roll, admitting she really had to consider added "attention" and "a lot more pressure".
Nat's co-host David Koch was quick to welcome Nat to the desk with a jab that had her hitting out at him within their first 5 minutes on air together.
"After 18 years as part of the family – and we were never convinced that she could do this after 18 years," David said, causing Nat to hit back saying: "Hey, excuse me!?"
"Ok the first five minutes and I'm already punching you, this is going to be fun," she added, as the rest of the panel had a laugh.
Kochie however had shared a few words of welcome, praising her 'sense of humour' and 'approach to life'
"Nat and I have always had a very close relationship – I've seen her sons grow into fine young men, walked The Kokoda Track with her husband, Drew, and her mum Julie is so gorgeous. Nat is a wonderful person, with a wonderful family, and I can't wait to sit alongside her as we continue to evolve Sunrise.”
Sam Armytage bids Sunrise farewell
Sam announced she was leaving the show after eight years earlier this month.
“The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different,” she said.
She also tearfully farewelled viewers on her final day at the desk.
“As many of you know, the last six months of my personal life have been very bittersweet. Some bits have been very happy, and some bits have been very, very sad," she said.
“I want to step out of this public world for a while and take some time and calm things down, enjoy a bit of slow living, and spend some time with my precious family, my husband and [dog] Banjo.”
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