Channel Seven is ‘grooming Weekend Sunrise anchors Matt Doran and Monique Wright to replace Sam Armytage and David Koch on Sunrise’
Channel Seven allegedly has a succession plan in place for when Sunrise co-hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch decide to step down.
Weekend Sunrise anchors Matt Doran, 37, and Monique Wright, 47, are said to be the main candidates and they’re being ‘groomed’ for the top job, reports Woman’s Day.
Monique in particular is ‘loved by the big bosses’ at Seven, who consider her to be the ideal replacement for Sam, 44, when the time comes.
Sunrise shake-up! Channel Seven allegedly has a succession plan in place for when Sunrise co-hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch decide to step down. Weekend Sunrise anchors Matt Doran (right) and Monique Wright (left) are being ‘groomed’ for the job, reports Woman’s Day
‘[Monique’s] been at Seven since 1996 and she knows her stuff,’ a source said.
‘She’s also a mum, she’s relatable and treats everyone with respect.’
Matt is apparently very popular with viewers, too, and network executives consider him to be a natural successor for when Kochie, 64, retires.
Waiting in the wings: Monique in particular is ‘loved by the big bosses’ at Seven, who consider her to be the ideal replacement for Sam, 44, when the time comes
‘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.’
Paul Burt was also a popular substitute for weatherman Sam Mac during the summer non-ratings period, which could signify a more permanent position is on the horizon.
‘Heir apparent’: Matt is apparently very popular with viewers, too, and network executives consider him to be a natural successor for when Kochie, 64, retires
‘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.
New generation: Rumours of a shake-up at Sunrise have been swirling in recent months as Kochie (right) reaches retirement age and Sam (left) settles into married life after marrying businessman Richard Lavender on New Year’s Eve. Pictured with weatherman Sam Mac
Roving reporter Edwina Bartholomew also isn’t going anywhere, claimed the source.
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.
Staying put: The unconfirmed report by Woman’s Day concluded that there were no plans to replace newsreader Natalie Barr (left) or sports presenter Mark Beretta (right)
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.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment.
New direction: 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. Pictured with her husband, Richard Lavender