Sunrise's new line-up: The hosts tipped to take over from David Koch

Sunrise viewers were left in shock when beloved TV host David 'Kochie' Koch announced this morning that he is stepping away from the breakfast show after 21 years at the helm.

Rumours have been swirling for years about who his replacement might be, with a long list of famous faces no doubt now set to battle it out for the coveted position.

Described as 'the world's best job' by Kochie himself in his leaving message on-air, the 67-year-old said it was time to step away and 'bring through the next generation'.

So who's in the running to step into Kochie's boots? Take a look at our top picks below:

Chris Brown

Former Channel 10 star Chris Brown made waves when his move to rival network Channel 7 was announced. The vet is known for hosting I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and was a regular panellist on The Project.

In February, an insider revealed that his shock career decision could be part of a long-term plan. According to New Idea, the Bondi Vet star had his eyes firmly set on Kochie's job when he decided to make the move.

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“Chris would be wanting the ‘holy grail’ of plum roles — which has to be Kochie’s Sunrise gig!” the source said.

“Chris could become fill-in host until the time comes to make it permanent. Can you imagine how great he and Nat [Barr] would be together on screen?!”

Sam Mac

Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac took over from Edwina Bartholomew as weather presenter on the hit morning show in 2016. Since then he's become a viewer favourite, with his quick-witted segments from destinations all over the country.

Last year, Sam took a dig at Kochie's salary when he was reporting from a top-secret ABC gold refinery in Sydney.

When he was informed that the gold bars sitting on the table behind him were worth $30 million, he didn't hesitate to take the opportunity to have a little jab at Kochie.

"So next time Kochie signs off on his annual salary, this is what they bring into the boardroom," he said.

"This is it. They literally wheel it in and he's like, 'Yeah, I'll do two more years'.

"That's how it works guys."

Matt Shirvington

Sports presenter Matt Shirvington was a massive hit with viewers when he filled in for Kochie when he was on leave for six weeks last year.

Seven network executives were reportedly stunned by how natural the Olympian was in the role.

Matt currently co-hosts Sunrise on Fridays instead of Kochie, and The Australian reports that he has ‘the backing’ of Seven's top executives.

The publication reports that while Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was originally supposed to be Kochie’s successor, Shrivington has now become the ‘chosen stand-in’ whenever Kochie is away.

Matt Doran

Probably one of the hottest tips for the job is none other than Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran.

Regularly filling in for Kochie on the Sunrise couch, Matt has reportedly been a 'network favourite' to take the spot for years now.

Woman's Day reported in 2020 that network executives were giving Matt a 'test drive', with the view that he would one day become co-host of the show.

"Matt is the heir apparent for sure. He cannot put a foot wrong in that place and offers a more smooth feel to the network," an insider told the publication.

In 2021 he went viral after he botched his opportunity to interview Adele for Sunrise after confessing to her he hadn't heard her new album.

"To Adele I say: 'I’d never have knowingly disrespected you by deliberately not listening to your work'," he apologised on air. "I’m so sorry. I also apologise to Adele’s Australian fans - who through my error have been denied this interview and the insight into her character."

However Aussies seem to have forgiven and forgotten and the star's career has since gone from strength-to-strength.

Edwina Bartholomew

Edwina Bartholomew has worked on the Sunrise team since 2011, however her affiliation with the show began when she was still a uni student.

"Sunrise was running a competition to win a job, which my uni professor put me forward for, and so I competed on telly to win a job as a producer. At the end of the week I won the job and that’s how I got my first gig in television," Edwina told The Beast in 2012.

Since then, she's become one of the most beloved members of the Sunrise team and has left the show twice to welcome her adorable kids into the world.

She returned to the show last July after taking five months maternity leave when she welcomed her son Thomas.

"We've had such a lovely time as a family unit, so it was a bit sad to leave them at home, but also lovely to come back to work," she said at the time.

Larry Emdur

He's co-hosted The Morning Show on Channel Seven since 2007 with Kylie Gillies, so could Larry Emdur be about to wake up extra early in the mornings?

According to previous reports, the 58-year-old was one of the favourites to replace Kochie

"Channel 7’s golden boy, Larry, is the short-odd favourite, especially after putting him in The Chase to replace Andrew [O’Keefe] – he can do no wrong," a source told New Idea in 2021.

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However, speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O Show in February, the 58-year-old rubbished the reports.

"No. The Morning Show is unreal. [I've done it for] 15 years," he said.

He also put out the flames on rumours that former Channel 10 star Chris Brown would take the spot.

"What, is Chris going to sit there for three hours in the morning talking about sick dogs? How's that going to work?" he said.

Monique Wright

Just a few months ago in January of this year, fans urged Channel Seven bosses to replace Kochie and Nat Barr with Monique Wright and Mark Beretta

Weekend Sunrise host, Monique, and sports reporter, Mark, stepped in to replace the Brekky Central hosts during the holidays and were firm fan favourites.

Monique landed the Weekend Sunrise gig in 2014 after serving as guest host on the program since Samantha Armytage's move to Sunrise.

Since then, she's gone on to fill in for Nat Barr on occasion, most recently after Nat left the show mysteriously to interview Olivia Newton-John's family following the Aussie icon's state memorial service.

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