Sunrise confirms Kochie’s replacement as Matt Shirvington
Sunrise has confirmed television’s worst-kept secret – that Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington will replace David ‘Kochie’ Koch.
The Olympic great and respected broadcaster was announced as the outgoing veteran co-host’s replacement on Monday morning and will begin at Brekky Central from next week.
Natalie Barr with new Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington
Koch, who announced his departure one week ago, told Shirvo on air: “You are absolutely perfect for us…. You’ve been filling in every Friday, it’s been sensational, you are going to be sensational. You are going to be the perfect fit.”
In a statement released by Seven, he added: “Shirvo has been part of the Sunrise family and filling in for me for the last 18 months. He is the perfect fit to shift into my chair on a permanent basis.
“A good bloke with solid values, he will do a terrific job and I wish him great success.”
Shirvo said he is humbled by the opportunity and is excited to co-host “such an important show”.
“It’s a privilege to follow on from Kochie. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, humility and a whole lot of fun, and I can’t wait to continue adding to that.
“A big thank you to the Seven executive team, in particular James Warburton and Craig McPherson, for backing me to do this. Sunrise is a tight-knit team of talented and passionate people who work ridiculously hard – none more so than Sarah Stinson and Sean Power. I admire you all and won’t let you down.
“This is a huge life shift for me that will take some juggling at home, and something I couldn’t have done without the loving support of Jess and our kids,” he said.
He added: “To my new on-air family, particularly Nat, thanks for making me feel so welcome right from the start. Brekky Central, my new home. I like the sound of that!”
James Warburton, Seven West Media managing director and CEO, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Matt to his new role co-hosting Sunrise with Nat. Matt has become an invaluable member of the Seven team since he joined us three years ago. He is the consummate professional, all about the entire team – just like Kochie – and brilliant at his job.
“Of course, Matt has big shoes to fill but we have already seen viewers welcome him with open arms during his time on the show.”
Sunrise co-host, Natalie Barr, said: “Shirvo is an iconic Aussie and an all-round great guy. I can’t think of anyone better to join us on the Sunrise couch.
“We’ve been working together for a couple of years now and I can tell you he’s interested in people, he really cares, he’s a hands-on dad and husband and he talks almost as much as I do, so we get along really well!”
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Lauren McNamara is a journalist at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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