David Koch confirms surprise new Sunrise decision

David ‘Kochie’ Koch has made an unexpected announcement amid persistent speculation that he’s set to retire from his Sunrise hosting gig after 20 years.

David “Kochie” Koch has confirmed he’s staying on as the host of Seven’s Sunrise for at least two more years.

The surprise announcement ends ongoing speculation that he was preparing to retire from the high-profile TV role, which he’s held for 20 years.

Koch, 66, told The Australian he had signed a contract extension which would keep him on Sunrise until at least 2024, but admitted he’d raised the prospect of leaving with Seven West chief executive James Warburton.

“After 20 years, I’ve felt I needed more flexibility in my life with my wife Libby and my business interests,” he told the publication.

“So when I mentioned leaving to Seven, James very kindly asked me whether we could work together on a plan that I wanted, which also kept my connection to the network and my focus on Sunrise.”

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Kochie with Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr.

He also hinted to The Australian that Seven chairman Kerry Stokes had played a crucial part in the successful negotiation.

“I’m grateful to James and Kerry Stokes that they approached it this way,” he said.

“I’ve had long chats with both of them, and they asked me is there a way to come up with a plan that gives you the flexibility you want, and gives you a connection to the network and a continuing focus on Sunrise. I love it dearly. So I’m really fortunate to have the best of all worlds.”

Earlier this month, Koch fought back tears during his anniversary of hosting the show as he thanked all those he’d worked with over the past two decades.

“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.”

His emotional gesture fuelled speculation on social media that his time on Sunrise could soon be wrapping up.

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 – and it’s already won the 2022 ratings battle against Nine’s Today and ABC News Breakfast.