Seven has announced that Natalie Barr as the new co-host of Sunrise.
Barr has been a part of Sunrise for the past 18 years, in recent years as the news reader and fill in host, and begins her new role alongside David Koch from Monday.
Barr said: “Sunrise has been my work family for 18 years and while I’ve absolutely loved my role as newsreader, I’ve now been given the chance to move half a metre along the desk closer to Kochie and give something new a try.
“I like to think of it as, same same but different. I can’t wait!”
Koch, said: “Nat has been there every step of the way as we’ve evolved Sunrise over the past 18 years.
“Our viewers know Nat is way more than just a newsreader. For years she has always stepped up as a co-host, filling in for Sam and I, and spent much of last year leading our coverage of the COVID pandemic.
“We all love her wicked sense of humour and no-nonsense approach to life. Nat and I have always had a very close relationship – I’ve seen her sons grow into fine young men, walked The Kokoda Track with her husband, Drew, and her mum Julie is so gorgeous. Nat is a wonderful person, with a wonderful family, and I can’t wait to sit alongside her as we continue to evolve Sunrise.”
Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton, said: “We have an incredibly strong team at Sunrise and I’m delighted that Nat has agreed to step up into this new role.
“Sunrise is a very important part of many Australians’ days. It’s been the #1 breakfast show for many years and I know that Nat, Kochie and the rest of the team will continue to take it from strength to strength.”
Network director of news and public affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “Natalie brings so much to the host chair.
“Intelligent, funny and truly authentic. It’s her time to show Australia all of that and more, in her very own way.”
Sunrise executive producer, Michael Pell, said: “Nat’s depth and experience as a journalist is unrivalled.
“Coupled with her endearing and down-to-earth personality that Sunrise viewers have come to know and love, there is no one better to lead the program through this next exciting phase.”