Sunrise: Samantha Armytage joins David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s for final episode

David ‘Kochie’ Koch will be joined by his former co-hosts Samantha Armytage and Melissa Doyle as he presents his final episode of Sunrise on Friday. 

According to TV Blackbox, the 61-year-old will receive a special send-off by his former sidekicks, who will appear live in studio to wish him the best after 21 years in the job. 

Kochie began Sunrise with Doyle, 53, from 2002 to 2013, and then alongside Armytage, 46, from 2013 to 2021. 

The news about Kochie’s farewell comes a day after the veteran journalist cleared the air on his much-speculated feud with Armytage while speaking to The Kyle And Jackie O Show,

Kochie dismissed the feud rumours, stating, ‘No, we didn’t end on bad terms.’ 

However, when prodded further by host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson about their communication post Sam’s departure from Sunrise, Kochie played it coy.

David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 61, (right) will be joined by his former co-hosts Samantha Armytage, 46, (left) and Melissa Doyle, 53, as he presents his final episode of Sunrise on Friday. Pictured together on the set of Sunrise 

Instead of answering directly, he pointed out that Sam had publicly stated her wish to get ‘out of media’.

‘Don’t forget Sam said quite publicly she wanted to get out of the media, that scrutiny [altogether],’ he said.

Kochie did say Sam sent him a ‘really nice note on the announcement’ of him retiring as anchor of the show.

Kochie began Sunrise with Doyle (left) from 2002 to 2013, and then alongside Armytage from 2013 to 2021. Pictured in the early years of Sunrise

‘She sent me a really nice note, as did ex co-host Mel [Doyle],’ Kochie said.

Rumours of a feud have dogged Kochie and Armytage since she left the top-rated Seven breakfast show, but have never been substantiated.

After Kochie announced his resignation, Armytage shared a throwback photo to Instagram showing the pair posing together on-set.

Rumours of a feud have dogged Kochie and Armytage since she left the top-rated Seven breakfast show, but have never been substantiated

Kochie announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Sunrise to pursue his own businesses and spend more time with his family. Pictured with co-host Natalie Barr and Mel Doyle 

‘I want to wish Kochie all the best in his future. And to many well-deserved sleep-ins ahead,’ she wrote.

Kochie announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Sunrise to pursue his own businesses and spend more time with his family. 

He will be replaced by former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, 44, who has spent the past two years waiting in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter.

Shirvo was earmarked for the job back in 2020 when he took part in Seven’s Olympic coverage team – a role he carried well in the delayed Games in 2021 and one that inevitably earned him his ‘hosting stripes’.

He also cut his teeth with hosting roles on the the mini-golf games show Holey Moley and Ultimate Tag which, while not a hit in the ratings, provided more evidence he had the ‘chops’ to handle a major format.

After Friday, Shirvo will begin the daily 3am wake-up call slog – one of several factors which ultimately led to Kochie’s decision to step down after 21 years.

Matt Shirvington (right) will take Kochie’s place alongside Natalie Barr as the new co-host of Sunrise