Weekend Sunrise viewers 'devastated' as Matt Doran announces exit: 'Crying'

Channel Seven viewers were left “devastated” on Sunday morning when Weekend Sunrise host Matt Doran announced live on air that he would be leaving the breakfast show. The journalist, who also regularly fills in for Sunrise’s Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington and The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur, began hosting the program alongside Monique Wright in 2019.

In a heartfelt statement to viewers, Matt said he had resigned to focus on family and pursue other opportunities. The former Channel 10 star will stay with Weekend Sunrise for two more weeks, with his last day being Sunday, December 8.

“This is something I've agonised over because it is honest to say, this is one of the best jobs on earth. But we think it's right and at the right time for our little family,” he said about making the decision with his wife Kendall Bora.

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“While I'm sad and I'm doing everything possible presently not to look Mon in the eye, where I am right now is honestly just a place of incredible gratitude for the laughs, for the lessons, for the tears, the phenomenal sense of life perspective, the carousels of astonishing snacks - and I guess even the tofu.

“It is my unshakable belief that this role specifically being entrusted with the telling of people's most intimate, most personal stories, is one of the most privileged positions on the planet.”

What will Matt Doran do after Weekend Sunrise?

Matt explained that he began working at Seven in 2017 with a background in crime and documentaries, and he is “being pulled back in that direction again now”.

He then teared up as he showed appreciation to Weekend Sunrise show’s viewers for “allowing me into your lounge rooms over the last half decade”.

“What a monstrous honour to be afforded a few hours of your precious time on your precious weekends, no less, and that is one thing I've never, ever taken for granted,” he shared. “When I say this, I want you to know I'm saying it from the very bottom of my heart. You've supported me in ways that I never imagined would be possible.”

He went on to thank various people at the network, including chairman Kerry Stokes, director of news and current affairs Anthony De Ceglie, director of morning television Sarah Stinson, and his co-host Monique, who he described as his “best friend”.

“There'll be time over the next few weeks to properly say goodbye, thank my family and the amazing Weekend Sunrise family, but for now, I do need to say this. Mon, you are not just a colleague, you’re my best friend, and I'm going to miss you. Any chance of a hug?” he remarked, before she walked on stage and gave him a tight embrace.

Channel Seven stars share tributes to Matt

After a video of the emotional moment was shared on social media, Matt’s fellow Channel Seven colleagues took to the comments to share their well wishes.

“Dearest Matt, I’ve always loved hosting with you. Trying to keep up with your wit and your wicked humour is something else. (And an awful lot of fun) You connect with people in such a unique and special way. Can’t wait to see what your next chapter is,” Nat Barr wrote.

“As someone who gets to ‘borrow’ you on @morningshowon7… can’t tell you how much I’ll miss you Matt. Biggest heart. And funny as heck. Just lovely,” Kylie Gillies replied, followed by Larry Emdur who said, “Matt, such class mate. One of the very best in the biz and that relationship with Mon on air is so special, so authentic and supportive. Looking forward to the next big thing from you”.

“Brilliant words as expected!! What a massive gap you leave my friend! You are a magic human and one of my all time favourites to work with. It’s always been about the story or the guest and never been about you. You will be sadly missed by me and all the team! All the best to you and well done on this courageous decision! Can’t wait to see what’s next!” Mark Beretta commented.

'Hard to replace'

Sunrise’s resident nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo also wrote that she was “devastated” by the news, while other viewers said they were “crying”.

“What a shame, Matt & Mon are soooo good together. Love the fun, energy and synergy these two have together,” one person wrote, while another added, “I’m sure I’m not the only one that will miss your friendship and chemistry on the weekends”.

“Weekend mornings will never be the same - you certainly leave big shoes to fill. You and Mon are THE most perfect combination on TV,” a third remarked, followed by someone else who said, “A true gentleman and part of our every weekend for the past 5 years. Thank you got your service, dedication, humour and empathy”.

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“Matt and Mon are both so genuine and their connection is brilliant. Matt is great on those true crime shows so I’m looking forward to seeing him on the shows. He’ll be so hard to replace,” a different user replied.

“The parting of TV’s best ‘couple’,” someone else declared, with another writing, “The most amazing TV duo yet! We will miss you Matt”.

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