Weekend Sunrise star’s emotional farewell
<p>Matt Doran has announced he is leaving the team at <em>Weekend Sunrise</em> to focus on his family, and to pursue other career opportunities. </p>
<p>Doran made the announcement on-air on Sunday, describing his five years at the show, hosting alongside Monique Wright as "the best job in the world". </p>
<p>“Before we go today, a bit of breaking news from the Doran household. I want to share with you a decision I’ve made, with my beautiful wife Kendall — and of course in earnest consultation with our beloved Italian greyhound Murphy — and that is, after five years at Weekend Sunrise, I will be finishing up at the end of the year,” he said.</p>
<p>“It’s something I’ve agonised over because it’s honest to say this is one of the best jobs on earth, but we think it’s right — and at the right time — for our little family."</p>
<p>“While I’m sad, and I’m doing everything possible presently not to look Mon in the eye, where I am right now is honestly a place of incredible gratitude. For the laughs, the lessons, the tears, the phenomenal sense of life perspective, the carousels of astonishing snacks (even the tofu).”</p>
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<p>He then went on to share that his last show will be December 8th, and admitted he has felt the pull back to being an investigative reporter and wants to focus more on crime stories and documentaries.</p>
<p>“It is my unshakeable belief that this role — specifically, being entrusted with the telling of people’s most intimate, most personal stories — is one of the more privileged positions on the planet.</p>
<p>“And actually, storytelling is probably at the heart of this decision – finding ways to tell stories that break the mould. I came to the Seven Network eight years ago with a background in crime and documentaries, and I’m being pulled back in that direction again now.”</p>
<p>Doran said he was thankful to the viewers, especially the ones that wrote in with feedback.</p>
<p>“What a monstrous honour to be afforded a few hours of your precious time on your precious weekends no less. That is one thing I have never, ever taken for granted,” he said.</p>
<p>“When I say this, I am saying it from the very bottom of my heart – you have supported me, in ways I never imagined would be possible."</p>
<p>Doran then shared some emotional words to Wright, his co-host and “best friend”.</p>
<p>“There will be time over the next few weeks to properly say goodbye and thank my family and the amazing Weekend Sunrise family but for now.. I do need to say this,” he said.</p>
<p>“Mon… you are not just a colleague; you are my best friend, and I am going to miss you."</p>
<p>“Let me tell you, however incredible you think Mon is on camera, it’s 10-fold behind the scenes – it’s the little things she does as a friend for her friends, that she doesn’t broadcast, and they in my opinion sum up her character, and define her.”</p>
<p>Wright said she was “honoured” to work alongside Doran, as she said, “Our friendship and laughs will continue off screen and while I’ll miss him terribly at work, I’m so happy for Matt and Kenny (Matt’s wife Kendall) and for them to now enjoy their much-deserved weekends together.”</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Weekend Sunrise</em></p>
