Natalie Barr steps into Sunrise hosting duties alongside Kochie

Natalie Barr celebrated her first day on the hosting desk of Sunrise on Monday morning, but not before her co-host David Koch welcomed her with a little jab about her taking the step up.

"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.

Edwina Bartholomew was quick to change the subject asking Nat if she had seen the outpouring of support after the announcement was made.

"Did you feel the love?" Edwina asked.

RELATED:

• Hidden heartbreak behind Sam Armytage's Sunrise exit

• Sam Armytage claims she was treated unfairly for not being a mum

• Samantha Armytage on the 'sociopaths and narcissists' in TV

Nat said she had "tried to start thanking people" but she "can't get through" all the messages.

"Sincere thanks to everyone who sent their well-wishes over the weekend, I really, really appreciate it," she said.

Natalie Barr announced as new host for Sunrise

Nat was announced as the new co-host for Sunrise on Sunday.

“Sunrise has been my work family for 18 years and while I’ve absolutely loved my role as newsreader, I’ve now been given the chance to move half a metre along the desk closer to Kochie and give something new a try," she said.

“I like to think of it as, same same but different. I can’t wait!”

Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton, said he was delighted Nat had decided to "step up" into the role.

“I know that Nat, Kochie and the rest of the team will continue to take it from strength to strength.”

While her co-host David also shared a few words of welcome, praising her for her 18

“Our viewers know Nat is way more than just a newsreader," he said. "For years she has always stepped up as a co-host, filling in for Sam and I, and spent much of last year leading our coverage of the COVID pandemic.

“We all love her wicked sense of humour and no-nonsense 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.”

Samantha in tears during Sunrise farewell

Samantha Armytage farewelled her time on Sunrise last week, becoming tearful about her departure multiple times during her last episode on Thursday.

The 44-year-old made the decision to leave the hosting desk after eight years on the show.

For her last day, the team has organised a surprise call with Samantha’s sister, Georgie, and her daughter Lucia, who are in lockdown in the UK.

Samantha instantly broke down in tears when she saw her family on the call and her sister said: “we are so proud of you Sammy”.

Samantha also didn't hold back during her farewell speech on Sunrise, as she took aim at some of the scrutiny and bullying she has faced during her time on the show.

"I do want to say that I never fully understood some of the scrutiny and the snarkiness and bullying from some aspects of the media," she said.

"But today we move on from that because there is a new chapter starting and it has been overwhelmingly a good experience in my life, so I thank all of you, and most of all I thank all of our viewers who are just wonderful people.

"There are so many lovely people out there, so many lovely ones that aren't nasty."

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.