Reports surfaced earlier this week that Channel Seven has a ‘succession plan’ in place for when Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage and David ‘Kochie’ Koch decide to step down from their roles.
Woman’s Day claimed that Weekend Sunrise anchors Matt Doran and Monique Wright were being groomed to step in to front the weekday edition of the breakfast show.
After the rumours hit the headlines, fans flocked to Facebook to share their thoughts on Matt, 37, and Monique, 47, possibly taking over from Sam and Kochie – and it seems that viewers are divided.
Divided: Fans have been left divided over Channel Seven’s ‘succession plan’ for Sunrise that would see Matt Doran and Monique Wright replace Sam Armytage and David ‘Kochie’ Koch – so what do YOU think?
Several said that while Sam, 44, and Kochie, 64, were great hosts, it might be time to step aside and let the weekend crew take the reins.
‘I think Sam and Kochie have lost that zing they had! You watch them now and get the feeling they don’t really want to be there anymore,’ one fan wrote.
They added: ‘They’ve been great but time for some new personalities.’
Feedback: Several viewers said that while Sam, 44, and Kochie, 64, were great hosts, it might be time to step aside and let the weekend crew take the reins
Another said that Matt and Monique ‘come across much more natural and relaxed’ than their weekday counterparts.
A third viewer claimed they’d switched to Nine’s Today show during the week and ‘only watch Sunrise on the weekends because those guys [Matt and Monique] are on’.
Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac, who is generally very popular with viewers, was also singled out.
Singled out: Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac, who is generally very popular with viewers, was also singled out
Ouch: One viewer said he ‘was funny when he first started out and now he is just plain annoying’, while another insisted he ‘needs to go’
One viewer said Sam ‘was funny when he first started out and now he is just plain annoying’, while another insisted he ‘needs to go’.
However, some viewers were loyal to longtime hosts Sam and Kochie.
‘Won’t be watching at all if Matt is on it,’ one viewer wrote.
Loyal: However, some viewers were loyal to longtime hosts Sam and Kochie. Another said they wanted Mel Doyle to come back
Another added: ‘I love Sam and Kochie the people that have been putting negative responses on, why don’t you change the channel.’
‘I prefer Sam, she has a great sense of humour,’ another said.
One viewer suggested that host Mel Doyle should return.
‘Bring Mel back and I will watch Sunrise again,’ they quipped.
A representative for Channel Seven told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that Woman’s Day report on a ‘succession plan’ is ‘rubbish.’
Hitting back: A representative for Channel Seven told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that Woman’s Day report on a ‘succession plan’ is ‘rubbish.’ They added: ‘David, Sam and the team are in fine form. Sunrise is flying’
They added: ‘David, Sam and the team are in fine form. Sunrise is flying.’
According to Woman’s Day on Monday, Channel Seven allegedly has a succession plan in place for when Sam and Kochie decide to step down from Sunrise.
The magazine reported that Weekend Sunrise anchors Matt and Monique are the main candidates and they are apparently being ‘groomed’ for the top job.
They alleged that Monique in particular is ‘loved by the big bosses’ at Seven, who consider her to be the ideal replacement for Samantha when the time comes.
Reports: According to Woman’s Day on Monday, Channel Seven allegedly has a succession plan in place for when Sam and Kochie decide to step down from Sunrise. Weekend Sunrise anchors Matt and Monique are said to be the main candidates and they are apparently being ‘groomed’ for the top job
‘[Monique has] been at Seven since 1996 and she knows her stuff,’ a ‘source’ allegedly said. ‘She’s also a mum, she’s relatable and treats everyone with respect.’
Matt is apparently popular with viewers, too, and network executives consider him to be the ‘heir apparent’ after Kochie retires.
‘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,’ said the ‘insider’.
They continued: ‘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 magazine reported that Paul Burt was also well-received when he filled in for Sam Mac during the non-ratings period, and suggested a more permanent position is on the horizon.
Will he go? The magazine reported that Paul Burt was also well-received when he filled in for Sam Mac during the non-ratings period, and suggested a more permanent position is on the horizon
‘They were inundated with viewers begging for him to stay on,’ the ‘source’ said.
They added that Sam Mac could be looking forward to a new challenge in his career – namely a prime-time or early evening game show.
The unconfirmed report by Woman’s Day concluded that there were no plans to replace newsreader Natalie Barr or sports presenter Mark Beretta.
Roving reporter Edwina Bartholomew also isn’t going anywhere, claimed the ‘source’.
Making headlines: Rumours of a shake-up at Sunrise have been swirling in recent months as Kochie reaches retirement age and Sam settles into married life after marrying businessman Richard Lavender on New Year’s Eve
Rumours of a shake-up at Sunrise have been swirling in recent months as Kochie reaches retirement age and Sam settles into married life after marrying businessman Richard Lavender on New Year’s Eve.
Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show last month, Sam said that while she was still under contract at Seven, she hadn’t ruled out giving up her TV career for a quiet life.
She revealed she was ‘very happy’ in her job but could ‘easily’ see herself embracing country life someday.
‘Oh yeah, I think down the track I could, easily,’ she said when asked about retiring to the Southern Highlands in the future.
Long term plans? Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show last month, Sam said that while she was still under contract at Seven, she hadn’t ruled out giving up her TV career for a quiet life