Major shake-up for the Sunrise team
Rumours have long been rife that Sunrise will undergo a major shake-up, with Channel Seven finally confirming the news in a statement.
A new face is set to join the team, with hosts Natalie Barr and David Koch welcoming Queensland reporter Georgie Chumley onboard.
Georgie, who has long been a part of the 7News team, will keep audiences updated on everything from the Sunshine State, starting on Monday 27th March.
“It’s such a privilege to tell Queenslanders’ stories and I’m so excited to get the opportunity to share them with the rest of the country. I’ve grown up here and watched Brisbane shift from a big country town to a thriving city,” Georgie told 7News.
“We have so much to offer and with so many Sydneysiders and Victorians moving here … the rest of Australia is now catching on. I can’t wait to see you on Sunrise!”
Georgie's announcement comes just days after publication New Idea shared their speculation that the addition of Dr Chris Brown to Channel Seven is part of a grand scheme for him to replace Kochie when he retires.
“Chris would be wanting the ‘holy grail’ of plum roles — which has to be Kochie’s Sunrise gig!” the source said.
“Chris could become fill-in host until the time comes to make it permanent. Can you imagine how great he and Nat [Barr] would be together on screen?!”
Kochie, 66, is in the middle of planning his retirement, but has committed to staying at Seven's breakfast show for at least another two years.
He signed a contract extension in October 2022, locking him in until the end of 2024, but negotiated for “greater flexibility” in his schedule.
Speaking to Woman's Day in 2021, he said, "[I'll stay] while I'm still enjoying it and while viewers want me to do it. They're the ultimate boss".
Image credits: Sunrise