Sunrise's Kochie reveals 'unbelievable' message from 'rival' Today's Karl Stefanovic

They may be network rivals but Karl Stefanovic proved there’s no bad blood between him and David ‘Kochie’ Koch after the Sunrise star announced his retirement on Monday.

Kochie shocked viewers when he announced he had decided to step away from the co-hosting gig, which he himself called ‘the best job in the world’.

Amongst all the well-wishes for the veteran host was a message from his Today show host ‘rival’ Karl Stefanovic, with Kochie revealing on -air how much it has touched him.

“Thank you to everyone who’s been so lovely, unbelievable messages,” he said.

“A wonderful, classy, respectful one from Karl Stefanovic was so nice. Really adored that one.”

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Kochie and Karl have gone head-to-head in the breakfast TV ratings race for years now, however it seems there’s nothing but mutual respect between the pair.

Back in 2018, Karl Stefanovic was dumped as Today show co-host by Channel Nine, after 14 years with the program.

The longest-running co-host of Today had spent the year making headlines all over the country due to his rollercoaster of a personal life.

“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most,” he said in a statement. “It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there.”

By 2020 Karl was back on our screens as the co-host of Today, making his return alongside Allison Langdon.

He now hosts the show alongside Sarah Abo, with Allison moving to A Current Affair last year.

Kochie quits Sunrise

Kochie shocked viewers on Monday morning when he tearfully revealed he would be hanging up his boots at the Sunrise desk.

In a statement released to media at the same time as he made the announcement on-air, Kochie said: “I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the last 21 years. I've been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world's best job.

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“What I'll miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat, Beretta and Dave Walters who have been with me for virtually the entire time on the show. I reckon I've spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I'll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day.

“I've also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the Chairman down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I've stuffed up – which is more often than I'd like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect,” he said.

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