As Sunrise‘s popular co-anchor, David “Kochie” Koch has been one of the most constant and successful faces on Australian breakfast television for almost two decades.
However, Woman’s Day hears that the 64-year-old is growing increasingly concerned about his future at Seven – and with good reason, as one “network favourite” is said to be sizing up his highly sought-after job!
It’s believed 36-year-old Matt Doran, who hosts Weekend Sunrise, is a shoo-in to replace Kochie, if and when the time comes to overhaul the long-running show.
“Matt is the heir apparent, for sure!” tells an insider.
“He cannot put a foot wrong in that place and offers a more smooth feel to the network,” the source explains, noting it won’t be long before Matt gets to “test-drive” Sunrise on Friday, thanks to Kochie’s four-day working week.
According to a source, Kochie’s position on Sunrise is in question.
(Channel Seven)Cutthroat
Insiders tell Woman’s Day that Kochie is also “extremely rattled” by the shock departure of his former co-star and good friend, Melissa Doyle, 50, who has left Seven after 25 years with the network.
“He would be feeling nervous about his situation, now that he can see how cutthroat the industry has become and how Mel left, despite being one of the longest standing and most senior presenters at the network,” says the source.
Kochie & his co-host Samantha Armytage.
(Channel Seven)It came just days before Seven announced it had sold most of its stake in Kochie’s online financial business Money Makeover, of which they were formally equal partners.
Adding to Kochie’s stress has been the absence of his co-host Samantha Armytage, who has taken substantial time off this year following health issues in March, and most recently to be by her parents’ side as they face their own health battles.
“Kochie is genuinely concerned that the loyal Sunrise audience is straying, and he’s frustrated because there’s been no continuity in who partners alongside him these past months,” says the source.
Insiders insist Kochie’s anxieties are warranted, and despite him signing a new two-year contract in July, the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact means “nothing is airtight and bulletproof any more”.
Time to move
While Sam has returned to the couch, she’s also still managing to fuel rumours that she’s about to call time on her TV career.
Earlier this year Sam sold her Bondi home, and just last week said farewell to Sydney as she packed up her belongings with new fiancé Richard Lavender.
Sam, who turns 44 this week, and Richard, 60, are owners of separate estates in the NSW Southern Highlands, where they enjoy spending most of their time.
Our insider says Kochie worries whether Sam will return in 2021, which could spell the end of the duo’s reign on the show.
“If Today does edge closer and closer in the ratings war, no one is safe,” our source adds.
