Emotional farewell: Well-loved TV host announces departure from popular weekend show

In a heartfelt announcement, a popular Australian television personality has revealed he will be stepping down from his role on a well-known weekend morning show.

During an emotional on-air moment, the presenter shared his decision to leave, leaving fans and colleagues surprised.

The announcement marks the end of an era for the program and has sparked discussions about what’s next for both the host and the show.


Matt Doran, a familiar face on Australian television, made a heartfelt announcement that left many viewers reaching for tissues.

After five years of co-hosting Weekend Sunrise, Doran has decided to step away from the breakfast program.

The news came as a surprise to many when Doran made his emotional on-air statement during a recent broadcast.


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Matt Doran announced that will leave his role as co-host of Weekend Sunrise at the end of the year. Credit: Facebook / WHO Magazine


With a mix of gratitude and nostalgia, he shared his decision to leave, emphasising the importance of family and the pursuit of new opportunities that beckon him.

‘Before we go today, a bit of breaking news from the Doran household,’ he began, setting the stage for his announcement.

‘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.’


Doran, who will host his final episode of Weekend Sunrise on Sunday, December 8, shared that he ‘agonised’ over the decision, acknowledging that ‘this is one of the best jobs on earth’. However, he believes now is ‘the right time—for our little family’.

In his farewell, Doran reflected on the privilege of storytelling and the role it has played in his career.

‘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,’ he continued.

‘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.’


The announcement was not just a moment of personal revelation but also one of profound thanks to the viewers who have welcomed him into their homes every weekend.

‘But I need to take a moment to emphatically and wholeheartedly thank you, our viewers, for allowing me into your loungerooms for the last half-decade,’ the host expressed with genuine appreciation.

‘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.’

‘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,’ he added.


The on-air moment was made even more poignant as co-host Monique Wright shared heartfelt words about their time together.

The pair exchanged a hug on camera, symbolising the close bond they've formed over the years.

‘I’ve had the great joy of spending weekends over the past five years with a best friend,’ Wright said through tears.

‘Matt is a brilliant broadcaster. His empathy, depth, warmth, fierce intelligence, and humour is such an extraordinary combination, and I feel honoured to have got to work alongside him for as long as I have.’

‘Our friendship and laughs will continue off-screen, and while I’ll miss him terribly at work, I’m so happy for Matt and [wife] Kenny and for them to now enjoy their much-deserved weekends together!’ she added.

Doran started with Seven in 2017 as a correspondent for Sunday Night and became co-host of Weekend Sunrise alongside Wright two years later.


As Doran prepares to leave Weekend Sunrise, he leaves behind a legacy of quality journalism and a warmth that resonated with viewers across Australia.

His departure is not just a loss for the program but for the audience who have come to see him as part of their weekend routine.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the impact that such changes can have on our daily lives.

We've all had our favourite presenters and programs that become like family, and it's always a bittersweet moment when they move on.

We wish Matt Doran all the best in his future endeavours and thank him for the years of dedication and joy he has brought to our mornings.
Key Takeaways
  • Matt Doran has announced he will be leaving his role as co-host of Weekend Sunrise at the end of the year.
  • He made an emotional on-air announcement, stating the decision is based on wanting to focus on his family and pursue new storytelling opportunities.
  • Doran thanked viewers for their support over the five years he has been on the show.
  • His co-host, Monique Wright, expressed affection and admiration for Doran, highlighting their close friendship and his broadcasting skills.
As we bid farewell to Matt Doran, we invite our readers to share their favourite moments from his time on Weekend Sunrise. What will you remember most about his tenure on the show? How do you feel about this change? Let's reminisce together and celebrate the work of a broadcaster who has truly made a mark on Australian television.
 
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