Matt Shirvington announced as new Sunrise host following David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s resignation

One week on from David Koch’s on-air resignation, his successor at the Sunrise desk has finally been revealed.

The next host of Sunrise has been announced following David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s resignation after more than 20 years on the job.

During this morning’s show, it was revealed that Matt Shirvington will be taking over the role, with Koch describing it as “the worst-kept secret ever”.

Speculation over Natalie Barr’s new co-host on Seven’s breakfast show had been mounting for days, with Shirvington named as an early frontrunner.

“The time has come to share with Australia who will be taking your seat,” Barr told Koch.

“A very big welcome and congratulations to Matt!”

Shirvington, joining the two hosts on the couch, admitted he had “mixed emotions” about taking over for Koch.

“Just amazing. Daunted. So excited. Happy. I cannot tell you the honour and privilege this is, a huge job - and an exciting job,” he told them.

“You are absolutely perfect for us.... You’ve been filling in every Friday, it’s been sensational, you are going to be sensational,” Koch told him.

“You are going to be the perfect fit.”

Surprise! Matt Shirvington has been named as the new Sunrise co-host.

Shirvo will take the reigns next Monday, following Kochie's final show on Friday.

Reflecting on why he was so keen to join the show full-time, Shirvington explained that it felt like “a family”.

“It’s a family show, it’s a mouthpiece for all Australians and their stories - and I love their stories... the thing I love the most is sitting on this couch, and going from complete elation and excitement and happiness with some of the stories that you hear about... to the heartbreak and the horror and sadness, and wiping a tear from your eye and moving on.

“It’s a phenomenal thing. The depth of this team that Sunrise has - from the control room, our producers, to the on-air family as well - they’re passionate.”

The former athlete joined the network in 2020 as a sports presenter in Sydney, but his role has swiftly expanded since then, with Shirvington regularly stepping up as Sunrise’s fill-in host throughout the week and on weekends.

He also regularly fills in as host on The Morning Show.

Matt Shirvington alongside Natalie Barr on Sunrise. Picture: Supplied

Dr Chris Brown had been considered another possible contender to take over from Koch after jumping ship from Ten and signing a two-year contract with Seven in February, reportedly worth a whopping $1 million a year.

Seven journalist Matt Doran, who currently co-hosts Weekend Sunrise, rounded out the shortlist of rumoured candidates.

Doran has been with the network since 2017, where he started as a reporter on Sunday Night, before joining the weekend breakfast show in late 2019.

He has regularly filled in for Koch during the week.

Dr. Chris Brown recently jumped ship to Seven. Picture: Instagram

Matt Doran’s name was also thrown in the ring. Picture: Sunrise

Koch announced his resignation live on-air during last Monday’s show, telling viewers he had “a bit of news” to share.

“I have decided to hang up the boots as co-host of Sunrise,” the 67-year-old said.

“After nearly 21 years and over 5300 shows …” he stopped, holding back tears as his co-host Nat Barr got emotional. “Nat, stop it.”

An emotional Koch announced his departure last week.

He continued: “16,000 hours of TV, it is now time to work in business hours and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on our big family and the family business. And frankly, my football club as well (Koch is Chairman of the Port Adelaide Football Club).

“So after 20 consecutive premierships in the breakfast TV ratings game, I’m frankly finding it harder to get off the ground to take those marks and I think it’s time to bring in the next generation.”

Koch, whose original co-host was Melissa Doyle, said he’d been in the chair since “before Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and iPhones”.

“That’s how old I am,” he added.

“I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years,” he continued.

“I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job.”

His last show will be this Friday.