Matt Shirvington, a man that David ‘Kochie’ Koch called “absolutely perfect for us” has been announced as the new host of Seven‘s Sunrise.
Announced on Monday morning, Shirvington joked that the news was “the worst kept secret,” and that “I was looking at the clock on the way in and thinking ‘is this the time you need me every morning? 8:10am?'”
“It’s going to be a juggle at home for sure – I have a 5yo Lincoln who goes to bed at 7:30pm every night, and I’ll be going to bed at the same time as him,” he added.
As Kochie and Nat congratulated Matt Shirvington, he revealed what Kochie had said to him earlier in the week: “You’re the perfect fit, and you’re going to have the time of your life.”
Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, 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.”
Seven Network director of news and public affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “Matt is an elite performer in everything he does. Very few work as hard in preparing and being ready when the camera rolls.
“He cares about what he does, cares about those he works with, and above all, cares about giving his best to the audience. He’s the perfect fit alongside Nat and the Sunrise team.”
Seven’s director of morning television, Sarah Stinson, said: “The appointment of Matt represents an exciting new chapter for Sunrise.
“Dedicated, talented, warm and dependable, he is more than ready to permanently join Nat and the team each morning as Australians start their day.”
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!”
Outgoing Sunrise co-host David Koch said: “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 will co-host his first edition of Sunrise with Nat Barr next Monday, 12 June.
Shirvington joined the Network in 2020, and has since had hosting roles on Sunrise, Holey Moley, and the Tokyo Olympics.
After 21 years at the helm of Seven‘s Sunrise, David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced his departure from the show last week.
See Also: “Younger and better looking”: Kochie comments on his Sunrise replacement
“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,” Kochie said as he told viewers he would be leaving the show. “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. 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,” he said.
Kochie will step away from the Sunrise desk as the longest-serving breakfast television host in Australian history, having broadcast a record 16,000 hours of live TV across more than 5300 shows and some 50,000 interviews.
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Top Image: Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington