Weekend Sunrise presenter: David Woiwod named as Matt Doran’s replacement

The next Weekend Sunrise presenter has been named following the shock exit of Matt Doran.

Foreign correspondent David Woiwod has been tapped on the shoulder to replace outgoing Matt Doran as co-host of Weekend Sunrise.

Woiwod returns to Australia from the US to join Monique Wright on the couch from Saturday in what has been a well rumoured promotion for the rising Channel 7 star.

“Five years on the road as a foreign correspondent covering the world’s biggest events has prepared me for the major stories, early hours and bad coffee that 3am starts demand – I’m excited and ready,” Woiwod said ahead of appearing on weekday Sunrise for the announcement today.

“In all seriousness, this is a thrilling full circle moment for me. I’m beyond excited to return to the Sunrise family and to keep telling the stories that matter most to Australians.

“Mon is the most talented, generous, hilarious and wickedly smart person to work with and I look forward to riding her coat-tails until the bosses notice. Aussies lead busy lives, so to be invited into their homes on precious weekend mornings is a privilege not lost on me.”

Channel 7 reporter David Woiwod has been named as the new host. Picture: Supplied

David Woiwod in action on the Gaza Strip. Picture: Instagram

Woiwod, 40, has served as 7NEWS US Bureau Chief for the past five years and Sunrise’s Melbourne reporter for four years before that.

“I’ve been a big fan of Woi for years, particularly his ability to move between reporting in a war zone, to covering American politics, natural disasters, interviewing the biggest celebrities on earth and everything in between,” Wright said of her new co-host.

“But all of that is insignificant to the awe I felt witnessing his moves on the dance floor at a Sunrise Christmas Party a few years ago. I even think he crowd-surfed at one point. Massive respect. I can’t wait to spend weekends with such a legend.”

Matt Doran announced he was leaving the show he co-hosts with Monique Wright, live last month. Picture: Channel 7

Woiwod is originally from Melbourne and has a Master’s Degree in International Relations.

Seven’s Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson, said: “We’re delighted to welcome David back to the Sunrise family and can’t wait to begin this exciting new chapter with him at the helm of Weekend Sunrise. David’s depth of experience, strong work ethic and authentic warmth make him the perfect choice for this role. He’s a passionate storyteller, he delivers news with integrity, and he has an outrageous sense of humour. Viewers are in for an entertaining ride!” she said.

Doran meanwhile co-hosted his final Weekend Sunrise shift in what was an emotional farewell episode on Sunday.