Sunrise co-host ideas
(Image: Tom Red/Private Media)

As viewers come to grips with Samantha Armytage’s shock decision to walk away from Sunrise after eight years, the industry is buzzing with talk of who will replace her.

Insiders suggest a current member of the Sunrise team will likely step up to join Kochie as co-host. Contenders include Natalie Barr, Monique Wright, Edwina Bartholomew and Angela Cox — all worthy candidates.

However, if Seven wants to use this moment to shake up the staid morning TV format, Crikey has compiled a new, slightly more courageous shortlist.

Pauline Hanson

Pros

  • Long history of racist, sexist and barking-mad comments so integral to the Sunrise brand
  • Can create social media outrage on command
  • Already knows where to find the make-up and tea rooms; possibly has her own parking spot.

Cons

  • Still can’t speak English
  • Sky after dark owns the whole “right-wing clowns talking to themselves” space.

Piers Morgan

Pros

  • Long history of racist, sexist and barking-mad comments so integral to the Sunrise brand
  • Knows breakfast TV inside and (more recently) out
  • Well-connected to the royal family
  • Sitting next to Piers would make Kochie appear less like the smug uncle you have to endure every Christmas.

Cons

  • His jaw may actually be made of glass
  • His palace connections are only to the royals no one likes.

Eddie McGuire

Pros

  • Long history of racist, sexist and barking-mad comments so integral to the Sunrise brand
  • Comfortable asking questions on air (but would to need to stop giving interviewees multiple-choice options)
  • Well versed in making on-air apologies
  • Everyone has a view on Eddie!

Cons

  • Everyone has a view on Eddie.

Michaelia Cash

Pros

  • Already doing 13 jobs, so one more shouldn’t be a problem
  • Has morning TV hair
  • Passionate about curries and all sorts of fieyoud — a natural for cooking segments
  • Distinctive laugh.

Cons

  • May startle viewers first thing in the morning
  • Distinctive laugh.

Agro

Pros

  • Part of the nation’s rich cultural legacy
  • Installing a churlish carpet off-cut as co-host is good business continuity at Seven
  • Would appeal to political guests who can relate to being manipulated by unseen hands and having to speak the words of others.

Cons

  • Outside broadcasts, footwear promotions and dancing segments would be difficult.

Get Krack!n’s Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney

Pros

  • Would appeal to a younger, hipper audience
  • Have done morning TV before (at night, on the ABC)
  • They can do fake bonhomie and deathless banter as well as anyone else
  • Cheap AF.

Cons

  • Frequently give away the game that morning TV is an appalling vacuous bin fire.

A clone of Kochie

Should none of the candidates above be suitable, Seven could always go to plan B and clone Kochie.

Not only would this be a ratings winner, the on-screen chemistry between the hosts would be amazing because Kochie is genuinely very fond of himself.