Sunrise announces surprise new co-host
Fresh from the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Basil Zempilas is set to remain in the spotlight as he accepts a new permanent role as co-host of Weekend Sunrise.
The Perth-based radio host and Channel Seven sports commentator told News Corp he’s “thrilled” to join Monique Wright at Brekky Central, where he’s enjoyed a “work experience” stint over the last few months.
Despite the long commute, Zempilas said he’s excited to begin their new adventure and plans on bringing blogger wife Amy and their three children to Sydney as often as possible. And the job perks are already being experienced by his daughter Ava, who will get to celebrate her seventh birthday in the Harbour City.
“It’s one of the huge upsides of doing something like this,” Zempilas said. “There’s not too many kids who get to go to Sydney for their birthday, so that’s a plus of Dad doing this.”
The 46-year-old replaces Andrew O’Keefe, who stepped down from the weekend hosting gig last year to spend more time with his family.
Zempilas also shut down rumours that he’s going after Sunrise host David Koch’s job. “David will be in the Monday to Friday job as long as he wants to be. I’m a real admirer of David’s and have watched the show from afar and think he’s a very skilled television performer.”
The new weekend hosting role is yet another addition to Zempilas’ already busy schedule – he also hosts a breakfast radio show on 6PR, will call AFL for the 25-week season and is set to commentate during Seven’s Commonwealth Games coverage next month.
“There’s no denying it’s full on, but for the last six years I have had a similar schedule,” he said.
Tell us in the comments below, will you be tuning in to see Basil Zempilas on Weekend Sunrise?
Image credit: Sunrise/Facebook.