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Basil Zempilas joins Weekend Sunrise

Perth-based broadcaster replaces Andrew O'Keefe on morning TV.

Perth-based broadcaster is joining Weekend Sunrise alongside Monique Wright.

After Andrew O’Keefe departed in December. Zempilas quickly emerged as one of the hot favourites for the gig. He won the praise of execs after filling-in on the role.

TV Tonight recently revealed David Koch was seeking a 4 day working week on the show, due to other commitments.

 

“For years I’ve watched and thought how much fun it would be to be part of the Weekend Sunrise team,” he said.

“Turns out I was right. I’ve loved every moment filling in on the show over the last six months and I can’t wait to work alongside Monique every weekend.”

Monique Wright added: “We needed a lanky uncle who is mad about sport in the family, now we’ve got him! Basil is a tower of a person – literally. His wonderfully generous and fun personality is matched only by his 6ft 5 frame. His energy and knowledge over a wide range of areas will be a wonderful addition to the Weekend Sunrise family.

“We have known each other for more than 20 years and are firm friends, so I’m really looking forward to sharing the desk with such a brilliant person. His self-deprecating humour is simply a joy and he has already given me permission to rib him about everything… so this is going to be a lot of fun!”

Seven Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “Basil is a bundle of energy on and off screen. He has a serious passion for news and everyday issues which will no doubt come to the fore in his new role. He has many strings to his bow which have been relatively untapped. He’ll excel alongside Monique and the terrific team at his new home on Weekend Sunrise.”

Zempilas will certainly be juggling a busy schedule including breakfast radio in Perth, commentating AFL and calling the swimming at the Commonwealth Games in April.

Updated.

10 Responses

  1. I think Basil has got to be the most anoying and rude presenter I have come across he interrupts his
    colleagues constantly and he just has a very dislikable personality surely seven can do better.

  2. It’s entirely possible that my dislike for Basil is based on the fact that I hate the sports sections of any show and that’s all I’ve ever known him for. Hopefully seeing him expand into broader territories will warm him to me, I’ll give him a chance for that.

  3. A good choice. I saw him at the swimming trials on Saturday night talking to an elderly lady who thought he was wonderful and was telling him so in a loud voice!

  4. I’ll eat half my hat, considering he’s only on the weekends. Feel sorry for Matt Doran who was guest presenter as well, but I guess he’s still keeping his options open?

  5. It pays to be Mr Stokes favourite!

    Basil was flying over every weekend for the footy anyway, so it’s no different. Though 7 days a week of early mornings must take a toll?

    1. It sure does. I remember when Kerry told Basil that he was “Mr Telethon” years after Jeff Newman retired. Rick and Sue didn’t look amused lol

  6. Good luck Baz. But despite even him saying “I’ll still be doing lots of footy” on his social media, it can’t not be affected now, near impossible to call Saturday night’s every week still.

    Hence James Brayshaw?

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