Sunrise viewers call for newsreader Natalie Barr to permanently REPLACE Sam Armytage as a host after surprise on-air resignation because she ‘deserves it more than anyone’
Sunrise viewers have long campaigned for newsreader Natalie Barr to permanently replace host Samantha Armytage alongside David ‘Kochie’ Koch.
And after Sam’s surprise on-air resignation from Channel Seven’s hit breakfast program on Monday, fans are calling for it yet again.
Taking to social media, many invested viewers said: ‘Nat should get the job. She is already there and is perfect for it.’
Scroll down for video
New lineup? Sunrise viewers have called for newsreader Natalie Barr (left) to permanently REPLACE Sam Armytage alongside co-host David ‘Kochie’ Koch (right) after her surprise on-air resignation on Monday’s live broadcast
‘Perfect for the job’: Sunrise viewers have long campaigned for newsreader Natalie Barr to permanently replace host Samantha Armytage alongside David ‘Kochie’ Koch
Natalie, 52, who will celebrate 20 years with the program in 2023, has often filled in for Sam and former Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle in the past.
‘Natalie had been there for so many years, she would do a great job,’ one user said, as another said: ‘Nat deserves it more than anyone!’
Many viewers pointed out how often Natalie ‘steps up’ on the show, and that she was the ‘best choice’ to be promoted to the top gig.
The eager fans appear to have collectively crossed their fingers for Nat’s appointment as Sunrise co-host ahead of Thursday’s official announcement.
‘Natalie should be the replacement’: Many viewers pointed out how often Natalie ‘steps up’ on the show, and that she was the ‘best choice’ to be promoted to the top gig
Hot contender: While Seven has not yet announced Sam’s (right) replacement, industry sources claim newsreader Natalie would be a strong choice by the network
She’s done it before: Natalie, 52, who will celebrate 20 years with the program in 2023, has often filled in for Sam and former Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle in the past
Ouch! Other viewers expressed their yearning for co-star Kochie to leave Sunrise too after 19 years at its helm to give the show a ‘fresh start’ with Natalie and another new co-anchor
Viewers of the show previously begged for Natalie to replace Sam permanently when she filled in as Kochie’s co-host while Sam took leave from Sunrise when tying the knot with millionaire beau Richard over the New Year’s period.
While Seven has not yet announced Sam’s replacement, industry website TV Blackbox reports Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr will be stepping in alongside co-anchor Kochie.
A source told TV Blackbox the network would look favorably towards Natalie to replace Sam as she knows the program better than anyone and is loved by viewers.
While some viewers called for Sam to be replaced by Natalie, others expressed their yearning for co-star Kochie to leave Sunrise too after 19 years at its helm to give the show a ‘fresh start’.
Much-loved: Viewers of the show have previously begged for Natalie to replace Sam permanently on the popular program
Jumping ship? In November, New Idea hinted that Studio 10 host Sarah Harris (pictured) could defect from Channel 10 to Seven if Sam’s role became free
In November, New Idea hinted that Studio 10 host Sarah Harris could jump networks from Channel 10 to Seven if Sam’s role became free.
Interestingly, Sarah was apparently a guest at Sunrise producer Michael Pell’s star-studded house party last month.
And on Monday, just 10 minutes after Sam’s tearful exit from Sunrise, Sarah was not present for that start of her Channel 10 show Studio 10 at 8.30am.
Sam’s official replacement will apparently be announced during her last day on air on Thursday, March 11.
Farewell: Sam’s last day on Sunrise will be Thursday, March 11. Pictured alongside co-host Kochie during her tearful announcement on Monday