Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell ends 11-year stint for new gig in LA

Sunrise program’s former EP Michael Pell’s brekky TV farewell party turned into another celebration after his boyfriend popped the question.

What began as a farewell party for parting Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell turned into an engagement party when his long-term partner proposed.

Pell’s boyfriend Daniel Burgess-Wise popped the question to the 39-year-old in front of friends and family on Saturday afternoon.

Among the well-known TV faces who attended the event at the Ivy Penthouse included Seven’s David Koch, Edwina Bartholomew, Kylie Gillies, Sally Obermeder and Matt Doran; ABC’s Leigh Sales; and Doran’s wife, Channel 9 producer Kendall Bora.

TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley, chief executive of Qantas’s loyalty business Olivia Wirth and MAFS contestants Ella Ding and Domenica Calarco — who Pell is believed to have been friends with prior to them starring on the nine reality TV show.

Michael Pell, David Koch and Kylie Gillies at Pell’s farewell party. Picture: Instagram

Saynoara Sunrise!

Pell bid farewell to the Sunrise breakfast TV program on Friday following 11½ years.

Pell, who is considered one of Seven’s most valued assets, is in preparations to move to Los Angeles to begin a new senior position within the network as senior vice president, entertainment content North America.

Pell, who is often referred to as a “wunderkind”, said he has fond memories, a few regrets and has walked away with extra family following his time on the breakfast program.

Will your new job be more or less high pressure?

“It will be different. I think it will be no less creative but I won’t be woken up at 1am about Shane Warne’s passing. I have slept with my phone on loud at all times for the last 11.5 years. So really I haven’t had a good night sleep for a decade. So there will be some benefits.”

Michael Pell has bid farewell to the Sunrise breakfast TV program.

Most memorable middle-of-the-night call you have had?

“When the Malaysian airlines plane went down and there was already one missing and another one missing which was the same make of plane. That was the most shocking. I could not believe that could happen.”

Pell says he will miss working with Sunrise co-hosts Nat Barr and David Koch. Picture: Julian Andrews

Most emotional news story to cover?

“The Lindt Cafe siege. It really struck home for us because it happened in our backyard while The Morning Show was on air. It was the most confronting. Chris Reason slept on the couch in my office overnight so he could keep across the story. There was a sniper positioned outside my office.”

Most fun story?

“You can’t go past Katy Perry. She adopted Sunrise early on in her career. She always puts on a great show and she is just funny. She is the real deal. She is a megastar, so down to earth and so hilarious.”

Any talent you’ve been unimpressed by?

“The most tricky was (Frasier actor) Kelsey Grammer. When he was asked questions about his ex-wife Camille, his new partner objected to that and he exploded into a rage and basically threatened a producer and called him a vile dog. Comedians on the whole are a bit hit and miss.”

Pell is looking forward to turning his phone off while he sleeps. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Biggest on-air stuff up?

The Sex and the City skit. The main reason was it just wasn’t funny. It was not Sam or Nat or Eddy’s idea, but they had to sell it on air. It was a production meeting decision so I will take the rap because I was the head producer. It was a bad sketch and I wish we never did it.

Which host were you closest to over the years?

“Everyone says I was closest to Sam and I probably was in many ways, but in many other ways I was probably closer to Kochie. It is hard to pick a favourite child … Sam and I had a brother-sister relationship and Kochie and I had a father-son relationship and I was the father. I am sad to leave Nat though.

What is Kochie going to do?

“I think Kochie will be there as long as he wants to be there. He has won for two decades and is one of the best interviewers on television. It is up to him.

Advice for next in line

“Keep across public sentiment on public issues. Always keep your phone on. Learn how to laugh and don’t take things too seriously.”

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