Matt Doran revealed he will leave his post as co-host of Weekend Sunrise at the end of the year to focus on family and pursue other opportunities.
On Sunday, he told audiences that, following conversations with his wife, Kendall, he would finish hosting duties at the end of the year after five years.
“It’s something I’ve agonised over because it’s honest to say this is one of the best jobs on earth, but we think it’s right – and at the right time – for our little family.
“While I’m sad, and I’m doing everything possible presently not to look Mon in the eye, where I am right now is honestly a place of incredible gratitude. For the laughs, the lessons, the tears, the phenomenal sense of life perspective, the carousels of astonishing snacks (even the tofu).
“It is my unshakeable belief that this role – specifically, being entrusted with the telling of people’s most intimate, most personal stories – is one of the more privileged positions on the planet.
“And actually, storytelling is probably at the heart of this decision – finding ways to tell stories that break the mould. I came to the Seven Network eight years ago with a background in crime and documentaries, and I’m being pulled back in that direction again now.
“But I need to take a moment to emphatically and wholeheartedly thank you, our viewers, for allowing me into your loungerooms for the last half-decade. What a monstrous honour to be afforded a few hours of your precious time on your precious weekends no less. That is one thing I have never, ever taken for granted.”
Matt Doran and Monique Wright
Doran went on to thank Seven chairman Kerry Stokes, news and current affairs director Anthony De Ceglie and director of morning television Sarah Stinson, before sharing a special thank you to co-host Monique Wright, who joined him on screen to hug him.
“You are not just a colleague; you are my best friend, and I am going to miss you.
“Let me tell you, however incredible you think Mon is on camera, it’s 10-fold behind the scenes – it’s the little things she does as a friend for her friends, that she doesn’t broadcast, and they in my opinion sum up her character, and define her.”
Wright told him thanked him for his friendship and the laughter shared on weekends.
Matt Doran and Monique Wright
“Matt is a brilliant broadcaster. His empathy, depth, warmth, fierce intelligence and humour is such an extraordinary combination, and I feel honoured to have got to work alongside him for as long as I have. His ability to connect and show how much he genuinely cares means he always gets the very best out of people.
“As one of the funniest, most self-deprecating people I’ve ever met, I am forever grateful for the huge, uncontrollable belly laughs I have shared with Matt. Our friendship and laughs will continue off screen and while I’ll miss him terribly at work, I’m so happy for Matt and Kenny [Matt’s wife Kendall] and for them to now enjoy their much-deserved weekends together.”
Sarah Stinson said: “Matt has been an integral and much-loved member of the Weekend Sunrise family. His warmth, humour, and unique perspective have brought so much to our mornings over the past five years.
“While we will greatly miss him, we are excited for his next chapter and extend our heartfelt thanks for all he has contributed – not only to our viewers but to the entire team.”
Anthony De Ceglie added: “We thank Matt for his commitment to the network for nearly a decade, include five standout years as co-host of Weekend Sunrise. His passion for news and on-air rapport with Monique have been key to the program’s continued ratings dominance.
“His skill in live reporting and brave investigations in that time are also to be commended, bringing critical stories to audiences that have driven meaningful change. We wish Matt nothing but the best for the future.”
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Top image: Matt Doran