Matt Shirvington has been confirmed as the new co-host of Sunrise.
TV’s worst kept secret was confirmed live this morning with Kochie cheekily referring to him as “the complete package.”
Matt Shirvington said: “I am so excited but also humbled by the opportunity to host such an important show for so many Australians. It’s a privilege to follow Kochie. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, humility and lots of fun, and I look forward to continuing to add more.
“A big thank you to the Seven executive team, especially James Warburton and Craig McPherson, for supporting me through this. Sunrise is a close-knit team of incredibly hard working talented and passionate people, none other than Sarah Stinson and Sean Power. I admire you all and will not disappoint you.
“This is a huge life change for me that will require some juggling at home, and something I could not have done without the loving support of Jess and our children,” she said.
“To my new on-air family, especially Nat, thank you for making me feel welcome from the start. Brekky Central, my new home. I like its sound!”
David Koch announced his departure a week ago, after 21 years with the show.
Seven West Media managing director and managing director James Warburton said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt to his new role as co-host Sunrise with Nat. Matt has become an invaluable member of the Seven team since he joined us three years ago. He’s a consummate professional, all for the entire team—just like Kochie—and brilliant at his work.
“Obviously, Matt has big things to do, but we’ve already seen viewers welcome him with open arms during his time on the show.”
Seven Network’s director of news and public affairs Craig McPherson said: “Matt is an elite artist in everything he does. Very few work so hard to prepare and be ready when the camera rolls.
“He cares about what he does, he cares about who he works with, and most of all, he cares about giving his best to the public. He is perfect next to Nat et al Sunrise squad.”
Seven’s Morning Television director Sarah Stinson said: “Matt’s appointment represents an exciting new chapter for Sunrise.
“Dedicated, talented, warm and reliable, he is more than ready to join Nat and the team permanently every morning as the Aussies start their day.”
Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr said: “Shirvo is an iconic Aussie and an all-around great guy. I can’t think of anyone better to join us on the Sunrise sofa.
“We’ve been working together for a couple of years now and I can tell you he’s into people, really cares, is a hands on father and husband and talks almost as much as I do, so we get along really WELL!”
David Koch said: “Shirvo was part of the Sunrise family and replace me for the past 18 months. She is the perfect person to step into my chair permanently.
“A good guy with solid values, he will do a great job and I wish him great success.”
Shirvington joined Seven in 2020 after a decade with Foxtel. He will conduct his first edition of Sunrise with Natalie Barr next Monday, June 12th.
David Koch will be greeted Sunrise this Friday.
This post updates.
