With two of its biggest stars, Samantha Armytage and David Koch, edging closer and closer to retirement, Seven is said to be holding crisis meetings to discuss just who will front the country’s number one breakfast show, Sunrise.
And speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day, a well-placed industry source has revealed the network’s first choices to revitalise the popular morning show’s team.
After pulling back her hours in order to spend more time with new husband Richard Lavender at his Southern Highlands property and revealing how “easily” she could depart the morning show, Woman’s Day hears the network is scrambling to find a replacement for Sam, 44.
“You know, I’ve been a journo for 22 years. I’m very old,” Sam said recently of scaling back on work.
Now there’s talk her colleague, Monique Wright, is a “no brainer” to be her successor.
The Weekend Sunrise host, 47, is said to be “loved by the big bosses” for her work ethic, and they believe her 20-plus years in the business have made her more than ready for the top job.
The popular presenters are well-loved at Seven
(Instagram)“She’s been at Seven since 1996 and she knows her stuff,” the source says. “She’s also a mum, she’s relatable and treats everyone with respect.”
With rumours that Kochie, 64, is also eyeing up retirement this year, the long-time host could be replaced by Seven’s popular pin-up boy, Matt Doran, 37.
“It’s no secret at the network that Matt is the heir apparent – he’s a nice fit for all demographics and the female viewers love him,” says our spy.
“He has a terrific sense of humour, a really strong news sense and is incredibly compassionate when he’s out reporting in the field.”
The hosts are said to be eyeing an early retirement
(Instagram)While the two rumoured successors may not come as a surprise to many, Seven’s idea to switch out its weather presenter Sam Mac, 38, with a lesser-known personality is causing some ripples around the Sunrise studio.
“Over the summer break, Queensland’s Paul Burt filled in for Sam and they were inundated with viewers begging for him to stay on,” says the source.
“This might be the clean break Sam’s been waiting for – he’s had a lifelong ambition to be a prime-time game show host.”
Despite the major shake-up, Sunrise fans can rest assured that some familiar faces will stick around.
It’s thought Sam (right) could be replaced on Sunrise, giving the Gold Logie nominee the chance to host his own show
(Instagram)“Nat Barr will stay where she is. She’s not expecting Sam’s job and I doubt she wants it,” says the source. “She’ll be happy to still be in the main frame reading the news.”
Also staying put is “Mr Popular” Mark Beretta, 54, with our spy saying, “Channel Seven would have rocks for brains to get rid of him.”
Meanwhile, Edwina Bartholomew, 37, is also expected to stay on as a “floater”.
“Eddy would have been the natural choice to replace Sam, but she’s a new mum and wants another bub soon, so she loves the current flexibility,” the insider explains.
