“Shirvo” takes on the role full-time from Monday 12 June after Kochie’s final show on Friday 9 June after 21 years in the role.
Familiar to the Sunrise audience, Matt Shirvington has been announced as the new co-host for Seven’s flagship breakfast program Sunrise this morning live on air.
The Olympic sprinting great and much-loved broadcaster has been a valued member of the 7NEWS and Sunrise team for the past three years and begins his new role alongside Natalie Barr from next Monday.
Matt Shirvington said:
“I’m so excited but also humbled by the opportunity to co-host such an important show to so many Australians. It’s a privilege to follow on from Kochie. He leaves behind a legacy of honesty, humility and a whole lot of fun, and I can’t wait to continue adding to that.
“A big thank you to the Seven executive team, in particular James Warburton and Craig McPherson, for backing me to do this. Sunrise is a tight-knit team of talented and passionate people who work ridiculously hard – none more so than Sarah Stinson and Sean Power. I admire you all and won’t let you down.
“This is a huge life shift for me that will take some juggling at home, and something I couldn’t have done without the loving support of Jess and our kids.
“To my new on-air family, particularly Nat, thanks for making me feel so welcome right from the start. Brekky Central, my new home. I like the sound of that!”
For the past year Shirvo has been seen more regularly by Sunrise viewers after Koch negotiated a new deal that saw him on-air for a reduced number of days per week, acting as fill-in alongside long-time newsreader-turned-co-host Natalie Barr. His ascension into the role came at the cost of Matt Doran‘s “terrible mistake” of an interview with Adele from 2021, leading to a public apology. Doran had been the heir apparent to replace Koch until the public backlash in response to the faux pax.
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. He’s the perfect fit, and he is going to have the time of his life.”
Shirvo will co-host his first edition of Sunrise with Nat Barr next Monday, 12 June.
Be watching Sunrise this week as we celebrate Kochie’s extraordinary contribution to the Australian television landscape over the past two decades, culminating in his farewell show this Friday.
