Melissa Doyle announces she is leaving Sunrise, with Samantha Armytage to replace her

MELISSA Doyle is leaving Sunrise after 14 years. A statement from Seven said the long-time breakfast host will front a new "prime time Network News initiative".

MELISSA Doyle is leaving Sunrise after 14 years.

A statement from Seven said the long-time breakfast host will front a new "prime time Network News initiative".

Gallery: Melissa Doyle's career in pictures

“I’ve cherished every moment and every experience on Sunrise,” Doyle said in a statement.

“It’s with that experience and support from the team that I am able to take this next step. I’m honoured that the Network has given me this incredible new opportunity and I am unbelievably excited about the new challenges ahead.”

Samantha Armytage, who has fronted Weekend Sunrise for six years, will be the new co-host of Sunrise, with David Koch who will remain.

mel

Doyle said in a detailed post on her personal Facebook page that her departure was announced "with great sadness," but she was ready for a new challenge.

"For nearly 15 of the past 17 years, my alarm clock has gone off at 3.15am. I’ve spent three quarters of my professional life doing breakfast television. And I’ve LOVED every minute of it.

"I don’t want to list all the people I’d like to thank for their help and support – but I do want to thank Kochie. He’s been my partner, supporter, confidante, and friend. I’ll miss working alongside him each day.

"So whilst its goodbye from breakfast television, its not goodbye from Seven. I’ll be part of new and exciting programs in the not too distant future. And I cannot wait."

Read the full post from Melissa Doyle here.

mel and kochie

Kochie, who has co-hosted the program with Doyle for 12 years said he was "thrilled" for her.

“Mel is a very special person to me and it’s been a privilege to work with her and share so many experiences. I can't tell you how thrilled I am for her.”

While CEO Seven West Media, Tim Worner, said: “Melissa’s contribution in establishing Sunrise as Australia’s leading breakfast program has been outstanding. During her tenure on Sunrise, she has helped redefine breakfast television. Her professionalism, wonderful warm nature and sharp journalistic skills make her perfectly equipped for the next phase in her career here at Seven.”

A Channel Seven producer told news.com.au: "The news and current affairs area has been in a bit of a black hole for a little while so the show Mel is going to do is a sensational addition," said a Seven producer.

Doyle will head off on annual leave for a few weeks from this weekend, before returning to Sunrise to cover the birth of the Royal baby in London.

She will then be back on the Sunrise couch temporarily "before saying farewell from brekky TV", but will still be seen on the program when the big stories break.

Melissa Doyle

Sunrise's ratings have been in decline in all major cities year-on-year, with the Today Show closing in on their lead. 

Sunrise recorded an average five city metro audience of 375,613 in 2012, compared to 356,590 in 2013, a drop of five per cent.

In contrast, the Today Show increased their audience from 340,511 to 346,373, a rise of 1.7 per cent.