David ‘Kochie’ Koch announced his shock departure from Channel Seven morning show Sunrise after a remarkable 21-year tenure.

And there are several contenders poised to fill the shoes of the beloved breakfast show stalwart.

Sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvington is a frontrunner to occupy Kochie’s esteemed seat after covering for the father-of-four several times  while he was on holidays.

Shirvington especially impressed viewers while covering for Kochie during his leave last year, seamlessly adapting to the role.

Currently co-hosting Sunrise on Fridays in Kochie’s absence, he has also reportedly gained the confidence of the Seven Network’s top brass, as per The Australian.

David ‘Kochie’ Koch surprised the nation with his departure announcement from the popular morning show, Sunrise, on Monday following a remarkable 21-year stint

Now Daily Mail Australia has unveiled the leading contenders poised to fill the shoes of the beloved breakfast show stalwart

Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car-crash $1million interview with British superstar Adele at the end of November has most likely taken him out of the race. 

The reporter had flown to London to interview the chart-topping singer, 33, for the Seven Network – but shockingly admitted during the chat he hadn’t actually listened to her new album.

An ‘offended’ Adele was then said to have walked out of the interview, which Doran denied.

The network allegedly spent $1million on the ill-fated interview, plus her sit-down with Oprah Winfrey and footage from her One Night Only concert.

Doran later issued a grovelling apology to Adele on Weekend Sunrise and blamed the saga on a ‘missed email’, before admitting the interview was meant to be ‘one of the highlights’ of his career.

Meanwhile fellow Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta is another strong contender following his successful stint filling in for Kochie during the Christmas holidays last year.

He also has a good rapport with Natalie Barr after starring on the show for over a decade.  

Sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvington, is now a strong frontrunner to occupy Kochie’s esteemed seat. Matt pictured with co-host Natalie Barr

Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie

Viewers have even recommended fellow host Mark Beretta, another Sunrise veteran, as a permanent replacement, following his successful stint during the Christmas holidays

Kochie’s replacement will most likely be announced this week as he is set to wrap up his time on the show in two weeks. 

Koch struggled to hold back the tears as he announced he is leaving the show after 21 years.

‘I have loved every single minute of it and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here over the last 21 years, his statement began.

‘I started here before Facebook, before Instagram, before Twitter and iPhones.

‘I’ve been privileged to experience so many great adventures, to meet so many different people and to meet so many different people and to cover so many moments of history in the making’.

Kochie shared the news first with Sunrise viewers and staff during Monday’s show.

‘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,’ Kochie said.

‘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.

‘What I’ll miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat, Beretts and Dave Walters who have been with me for virtually the entire time on the show. I reckon I’ve spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I’ll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day.

‘I’ve also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the Chairman down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I’ve stuffed up – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect,’ he said.

‘I know I’m going to miss it enormously, but it’s time for me to work business hours, and for Libby and I to have a bit more flexibility to enjoy our burgeoning family, to travel and focus on our family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel. As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd so you’ll still see me pop up every so often on RBA board meeting days or covering other big financial news, but as a guest rather than host.

‘Coming up to 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most-watched breakfast show is a nice moment to exit stage left with an enormous sense of pride and gratitude. Thank you for the privilege,’ Kochie said.