One of Australia's most respected TV show hosts has announced his shock resignation after more than 20 years on air.
David 'Kochie' Koch quit his job as co-host of Sunrise this morning on the Channel 7 morning show.
He has been at the forefront of the ratings heavy-hitter for several decades but he's revealed he's moving on.
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He took to Australian TV screens on May 29 just before 8am to share his sad update.
"Before we move on, just a bit of news for me," the 67-year-old said.
"I have decided to hang up the boots as co-host of Sunrise. After nearly 21 years and over 5300 shows..." Kochie said before stopping as his eyes glazed over with tears.
His co-host Nat Barr also got emotional, with Kochie telling her to turn off the waterworks so she won't trigger his own.
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"Nat, stop it," he said.
He continued: "16,000 hours of TV, it is now time to work in business hours and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on our big family and the family business. And frankly, my football club as well."
The morning show legend is also the Chairman of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
He's a rather busy boy, it would seem.
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"So after 20 consecutive premierships in the breakfast TV ratings game, I’m frankly finding it harder to get off the ground to take those marks and I think it’s time to bring in the next generation." he said.
He revealed he'd been on the set of Sunrise since the time 'before Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and iPhones', adding to his younger audience members: "That’s how old I am."
He said: "I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years.
"I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job."
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He is credited with growing the morning show's strong viewership over the years, Kochie winding up his career on the set years after taking it to the number one breakfast show on Aussie TV.
Topics: Australia, TV and Film, News
Rachel Lang