David Koch breaks down on live TV after 20 years on Sunrise

Veteran Sunrise host David Koch’s tearful celebration on the breakfast show on Wednesday had viewers wondering if this was the end.

Australian breakfast show Sunrise host David “Kochie” Koch has had an emotional morning celebrating 20 years of working in the popular morning slot.

On Tuesday morning, Koch fought back tears as he thanked all those he’d worked with over the past two decades hosting the show.

“Beretts, Nat, Eddy and Dave Walters, who has been in our ear for 20 years as part of the team, I’m so very grateful,” Koch said.

“Thank you for having me for 20 years.”

Koch thanked the Sunrise crew for 20 years on the show.

His emotional gesture sparked speculation on social media that his time on Sunrise could be coming to an end.

Koch, now 66, watched a highlight reel of his time on the show, including messages from celebrity guests Delta Goodrem and Human Nature.

He followed it with an touching post on his Instagram page, listing some of the many great moments he’s shared on the show.

“Thanks for having me Sunrise for the last 20 years,” he wrote.

Koch went on to list his “20 most memorable moments,” including hosting the show with Katy Perry, spending Anzac Day on the Kokoda Track and seeing the Queen lying in state at Westminster Hall.

Hundreds left comments of congratulations, including fellow breakfast presenter Karl Stefanovic.

“Congratulations Kochie. You’ve always been incredibly hospitable and easy with a laugh to the riff raff,” he wrote.

Koch says he won’t leave until viewers want him to. Picture: Adam Taylor

Former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle also paid tribute.

“So many wonderful lifelong memories,” she wrote.

Other comments questioned whether it was the end of Koch’s reign on the show.

“We will miss you if you are no longer on Sunrise,” one comment said.

“Good luck Kochie, enjoy your next adventures!” said another.

Social media speculated that Koch was calling it quits. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Koch first joined the show in 2002 as a temporary replacement.

In May this year, he sparked health concerns after making a 25-minute appearance on one show and then disappearing.

Sunrise has been a ratings juggernaut for Seven for almost a decade, with 2021 the 18th year in a row it ranked No.1 in its timeslot.

Koch also revealed in December last year that he had a year left in his contract but said he would stay on the show for however long he enjoyed it and viewers wanted him to.