Track and field star-turned-TV presenter Matt Shirvington has been crowned as David Koch’s successor at Sunrise after embarking on a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job.
The official announcement came during Monday morning’s breakfast show, four days before the 67-year-old chef films his final show on Friday.
Shirvington, 44, said he had “mixed feelings” about the new gig as he sat on the couch with Barr and Koch at the announcement.
‘Just unbelievable. Discouraged. So excited. Happy. I can’t tell you what an honor and privilege it is, especially Kochie. A huge task. A huge task. And an exciting job,” he said.
Both Koch and Barr said they were thrilled with the choice.
Track and field star-turned-TV presenter Matt Shirvington has been crowned as David Koch’s successor at Sunrise after embarking on a three-year plan to prepare him for the top job
The official announcement came during Monday morning’s breakfast show, four days before Koch films his final show on Friday
“What we always do is, if you’re a family member, you stay a family member, right?” And you pull through. And you helped out fantastically and every Friday it was sensational. You will be sensational. “You’re going to be a perfect fit,” Koch said.
During the segment, Barr and Koch also played a video of the former Olympian competing in a skin-tight catsuit.
The tight outfit that drew attention to Shirvington’s infamous bump as he sped down the track.
Barr and Koch also drew attention to a video of the former Olympian competing in a skin-tight catsuit, drawing attention to his infamous bump
The tight outfit that drew attention to Shirvington’s infamous bump as he sped down the track
Fans of the athlete will recall how photos of Shirvington revealing his rather large manhood went viral back in 1998 while he was competing at the Commonwealth Games.
At the start of the show, Koch teased his replacement, telling viewers, “I guarantee they’ll look younger and better.” That’s up for everyone! “It’s a wide field,” he said.
Fans of the athlete will recall how photos of Shirvington revealing his rather large manhood went viral in 1998 while he was competing in the Commonwealth Games (pictured competing in the 200m).
In a press release Monday, Shirvington said he was “excited and humbled” at the opportunity to co-host such an iconic Australian show.
“It’s a privilege to be Kochie’s successor.” “He leaves a legacy of honesty, humility and a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to continue building on that legacy,” he said.
“A big thank you to the leadership team at Seven, especially James Warburton and Craig McPherson for supporting me throughout this journey.” Sunrise is a tight-knit team of talented, passionate people who work incredibly hard – none more so than Sarah Stinson and Sean Power. I admire you all and will not disappoint you.’
Barr and Shirvington are seen in their first official Sunrise cast photo together
“This is a major life change that will require some juggling at home and something I could not have done without the loving support of Jess and our children,” he said.
“Thank you to my new on-air family, especially Nat, for making me feel so welcome from the start.” Brekky Central, my new home. I like the sound of it!’
Koch also praised his replacement in a statement from Seven on Monday, saying that Shirvington was “perfectly suited for the role.”
“A good guy with solid values, he will do a great job and I wish him every success,” said Koch.
Shirvington is a familiar face at Sunrise and often fills in for Koch when he is absent. Shirvington is pictured covering Donald Trump as Koch’s deputy in April
Barr echoed that sentiment, saying in a press release on Monday, “Shirvo is an iconic Aussie and an all-round great guy.” “I can’t think of anyone more fitting for 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, really cares about him, he’s a hands on father and husband and he talks almost as much as me so we really get along .” So!’
It comes after Channel Seven insiders exclusively confirmed to Chron Australia last week that Shirvington, who has been seen as Koch’s likely successor since the Tokyo Olympics, would get the top job.
The new appointment follows a carefully curated training process for the popular “Shirvo,” which is hugely popular with both Seven’s top executives and viewers.
Koch gave Shirvington his “blessing” before the takeover.
“David thinks Matt is a great fit and thinks he’ll do a fantastic job,” a source told Chron Australia.
“He’s represented David for a couple of years and he’s earned his accolades.” The crowd like him and he’s well respected internally so it’s a natural step up for him.”
Shirvington was already slated for the job in 2020 when he joined Seven’s Olympics coverage team – a role he performed well at the postponed 2021 Games and which inevitably earned him his ‘host stripes’.
Koch (pictured with Sunrise guest Katy Perry) has given the former Australian sprint champion his ‘blessing’.
He’s also made a name for himself with hosting roles on the mini-golf shows Holey Moley and Ultimate Tag, which while it wasn’t a ratings success, was further proof that he had what it took, a big format to master.
Shirvington, who has been raring to go as a weekend sports presenter in Sydney for the past two years, will soon begin the daily 3am wake-up call – one of several factors that ultimately led to Koch’s decision to step down after 21 years.
Koch shared the news of his decision to step down at the helm during last Monday morning’s show.
Shirvington finished his athletics career in 2006 with five consecutive national titles in the 100m and five national top-three finishes in the 200m
“I enjoyed every minute of my time at Sunrise,” Koch said on the air.
“I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, meet so many incredible people, and document so many moments of the story as it unfolds.”
Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media, said: “Personally, I will miss David as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful person, especially in the way he has mentored so many Seven people.”
Koch shared the news of his decision to step down at the helm during last Monday morning’s show
James Warburton, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media, added in a statement: “All good things come to an end and I admire and respect his decision to retire from Sunrise while he is at his best.”
Shirvington will co-host his first edition of Sunrise with Barr next Monday 12th June.