There’s set to be a major shake-up to our morning TV screens, with David Koch announcing he’s leaving Sunrise.
After 21 years at the helm of the Channel 7 breakfast show, Kochie dropped the bombshell to viewers live on air this morning.
“Before we move on, just a bit of news for me,” the 67-year-old began.
“I have decided to hang up the boots as co-host of Sunrise.
“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.
“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.
“What I’ll miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat, Beretts and Dave Walters who have been with me for virtually the entire time on the show,” Kochie added while trying to hold back tears.
“I reckon I’ve spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I’ll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day.
“I’ve also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the Chairman down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I’ve stuffed up – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect”.
Kochie continued by saying that he feels now is the right time to depart, confirming next Friday will be his last.
“I know I’m going to miss it enormously, but it’s time for me to work business hours, and for Libby and I to have a bit more flexibility to enjoy our burgeoning family, to travel and focus on our family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel.
“As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd so you’ll still see me pop up every so often on RBA board meeting days or covering other big financial news, but as a guest rather than host.
“Coming up to 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most-watched breakfast show is a nice moment to exit stage left with an enormous sense of pride and gratitude.
“Thank you for the privilege,” he concluded.
Mystery surrounds who will replace him in the hosting chair, with a number of names being thrown in the ring including Matt Shirvington who is tipped as the frontrunner.
