Kochie responds to Chris Brown rumours as his replacement is confirmed
Sunrise viewers are set to see a new face alongside Natalie Barr following the news of Kochie’s shock departure.
One famous face in particular was rumoured to fill his shoes, but Channel 7 has now confirmed his successor has been appointed, with an announcement to be made on Monday, June 5.
Kochie will host his final edition of Sunrise on Friday, June 9.
The TV presenter, who holds the title of the longest-serving breakfast host in Australian history, will remain a valued part of the Sunrise team and the Seven Network, covering big financial news as a “guest rather than host”.
Kochie was visibly emotional when he shared with viewers that he was stepping away from the “world’s best job”.
Fellow presenters Natalie Barr, Lisa Wilkinson and Sam Mac posted online to praise and congratulate him on his 21-year run on the show.
Following his announcement, Kochie appeared on The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
Sandilands asked Kochie if there was any truth to the rumour that ABC presenter Stan Grant, who recently resigned from hosting Q+A, would be taking over his role.
“Um, no, I don’t think so,” he replied.
Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson proceeded to speculate over who is and isn’t likely to fill the position, including Today host Karl Stefanovic and former Channel 10 star Dr Chris Brown, who is making his way to Seven in July 2023.
“Well, it’s obvious they’re not going to take Karl,” Sandilands teased.
“And it’s not going to be Dr Chris Brown either, is it?” Henderson asked, to which Kochie just laughed.
“No, you can’t put a vet on there,” Sandilands joked. “How insulting. That’s like saying Mr Whippy’s gonna come and take over my job, like come on man, that’s ridiculous.”
When pushed for a clue as to who his replacement might be, Kochie told the hosts that there is “plenty of great talent working on Sunrise”.
“Look, to use football parlance, I’ve talked to the list managers, it’s time for the next generation to come through and they've got a lot to choose from,” he said.
“All will be revealed next Monday, and then I leave on Friday.”
Kochie also shared he won’t be moving back to his hometown of Adelaide when he finishes up with Sunrise.
“I will stay here in Sydney,” he said. “Our kids are here, grandkids are here, and our family business is here.”
In a statement from Channel Seven Kochie explained that he believes it’s time to change his routine after spending 21 years of waking up at the crack of dawn.
“I know I'm going to miss it enormously, but it's time for me to work business hours, and for (his wife) 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,” he said.
“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.”
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