Sunrise star sparks 'chaos' during his final show with rogue act

Matt Doran officially said goodbye to Weekend Sunrise on Sunday morning, but not without causing chaos for his colleagues. The Channel Seven presenter announced live on air last month that he would be leaving the breakfast show after five years to focus on family and pursue other opportunities.

During his final episode, Matt served as a roving reporter visiting different parts of the studio while Monique Wright and Mark Beretta hosted the show. At one point he took control of the main autocue as Monique was speaking directly to the camera, hilariously retyping her script and forcing her to recite positive comments about him.

RELATED:

• Sunrise's Edwina Bartholomew shares emotional confession amid cancer battle

• Sunrise's Nat Barr left horrified over Shirvo's shower admission

• Sunrise's Sam Mac left red-faced after awkward interview: 'Too much information'

“Matt is here and to be honest, we’re a little overwhelmed. This is a moment in history. How do you farewell such a living legend and absolute master?” she read out.

“He’s so handsome - oh, I see, he’s writing this. He’s clearly superior to me as a journalist. I can’t adequately communicate it in words. In fact, I’m feeling compelled to dance. Hit it, maestro!”

Fans in tears after final episode

Elsewhere in the episode, Matt visited the hair and make-up department and stopped by the control room where he changed the camera angles by pressing different buttons.

“I’m saying hello and causing unmitigated chaos on the way out,” he remarked.

Monique also gave a lengthy farewell to her co-host alongside a highlight reel from his time on the show and teared up at the end of the broadcast.

Viewers were just as emotional saying goodbye to Matt and took to the comments to send their well wishes, with one person writing: “Your farewell even had me with a few tears. Good luck Matt!”

“Will miss watching you Matt, can’t wait to see your future crime docos. Was a bit teary but also happy this morning,” another added, while a third said, “Weekend Sunrise won't be the same without you Matt, will miss you”.

“I was so sad watching this today Matt, I’m really going to miss you. I wish you all the best for your next achievement,” someone else replied.

Who will replace Matt Doran on Weekend Sunrise?

Matt’s sudden departure has left many fans wondering who will replace him on Weekend Sunrise and sit alongside Monique in 2025.

While Channel Seven is yet to announce his successor, James Tobin is the current frontrunner given he has been the show’s weather presenter since 2009. The TV star joined Channel Seven in 2004 and has also worked as an entertainment reporter on Sunrise, competed on Dancing with the Stars, hosted Beauty and the Geek, and presented on Better Homes and Gardens.

Another person in the running is Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac, who might prefer the slower-paced gig as he balances his young family and wedding planning. Hosting Weekend Sunrise would not only allow him to work solely on the weekends but also keep him in Sydney rather than travelling around Australia in his current role.

It’s also been reported that Larry Emdur is being considered to host Weekend Sunrise, however, this is less likely as he has hosted The Morning Show with Kylie Gillies since its inception in 2007.

Many fans have also taken to social media to throw Liam Tapper’s name into the mix. The journalist has been a news reporter on Seven Network for three years and makes regular appearances on Sunrise.

Meanwhile, news.com.au has reported that US correspondent David Woiwod, who has been at Seven since 2016 after working at Channel 10, Associated Press and Sky News UK, is the favourite to replace Matt.

SHOP:

• The chic and super soft bedding you can curate to your own unique style

• $4.50 Woolworths product loved by Aussie sports stars: 'Perfect snack

• Iconic food chain solves Christmas problem faced by every Aussie

What will Matt Doran do after Weekend Sunrise?

Although he’s saying goodbye to breakfast TV, Matt will continue working at Channel Seven. He said during his on air farewell that he began working at the network in 2017 with a background in crime and documentaries, and he is “being pulled back in that direction again now”.

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.