Sam Armytage Admits Kochie On Star’s Last Day At Sunrise: ‘Couldn’t Do More’
Samantha Armytage returned to Sunrise on Friday to say goodbye to her former co-host David “Kochie” Koch.
Sam reminisced on their relationship over the years with the veteran TV presenter, with the two sharing some favorite moments before Sam offered some advice.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Sam Armytage’s advice to Kochie
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Sam and Kochie agreed that one of the highlights of their working lives was traveling to five countries in five days and riding a camel together.
“We’ve had so many happy, wonderful moments over those eight years,” Sam said on the Sunrise couch.
“Who could pass our five countries in five days? That was logistically the most ridiculous thing imaginable.
“We traveled to the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Mexico in five days.
“We didn’t know where we were, it was ridiculous but it was so much fun, so many happy moments.”
Sam recalled his arrival in London and learned that there was then a new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull.
“So we had to deal with breaking news in London. It was a massive show and I think we won the day without even knowing what we were talking about which I think sums up the whole show,” laughed Sam.
Sam then offered some advice to her former co-host.
“There were so many high points, but what I wanted to tell you today is that this job is so incredibly difficult and you can’t tell when you’re on the job, but when you’re off the job you can.” I can tell you how hard that is,” Sam said.
“To get up and do this day after day, the resilience, the drive, the ability, the energy to come here every day and do this is extraordinary.”
“I bow to you. After eight years I couldn’t do it anymore. I find 21 years simply exceptional.”
Kochie went on to ask Sam if she was having trouble adjusting to the exit, and Sam replied that “after two days, my sleep was completely normal.”
“The trick is to get out of the big puff of smoke, to a quiet place, back to nature, so that sleep comes back in order,” she said.
“You can now go out to dinner late at night, you can go on vacation without asking permission. It’s awesome.
“I congratulate you for doing this because it’s an extraordinary task and that’s why there are only six people in the country doing it and I wish you the best of luck.”
Kochie’s Sunrise journey with Sam began in 2013 when former presenter Melissa Doyle resigned.
Sam announced her retirement from Sunrise in 2021, replacing then-news anchor Natalie Barr.
Both Sam and Melissa previously paid tribute to Kochie online after the announcement of his exit from Sunrise was first made on May 29.
“I want to remember the laughs, the tears, the experiences, the embarrassing moments and highlights, the wonderful loyal viewers and the incredible team,” Mel wrote in an Instagram post, sharing a snap of her early Sunrise days.
“Congratulations @kochie_online to 21 years @sunriseon7, so proud to have been a part of it. Enjoy sleeping in. ❤️”
Meanwhile, Sam shared a photo of her and Koch smiling from a couch while holding onto a Channel 7 microphone.
“I want to wish Kochie all the best in his future…” Sam began in an Instagram Story on May 30.
“And to many well-deserved nights ahead.”
After his initial announcement on May 29, Kochie said his exit was “all planned since late last year, but I didn’t want that typical kind of TV delay to drag on.”
Speaking about his future at Channel 7, Kochie told 7Life he will “still be associated with the channel and maybe pop in as a financial commentator now and then, which means I’m coming out of what I’ve always loved to do.”
“It was a huge decision, but it just feels right,” he said, explaining the reasons for his exit.
Time to refocus
“It’s 21 years, I want to work business hours. We’ve always had a family business, so I want to devote more time to it along with Aus Biz,” he said of his online business platform.
“For me it is exactly right to refocus.
“It was a mistake getting the job all those years ago – I was a stand-in for three months – but it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of my life, I’m really lucky,” the host joked.
Kochie said he is leaving the show “with a lot of pride” and “gratitude.”
“At my age you start to think, ‘Right, I need some flexibility in my life.'”
“Sunrise, I love him very much. I enjoyed every single minute. It was the best job in the world. It’s not just a job – it’s a lifestyle.”
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