Matt Doran departing Seven

Presenter Matt Doran is leaving Seven after 7 years with the network, including 5 as co-host of Weekend Sunrise and just over 2 years with Sunday Night.

“A bit of breaking news from the Doran household,” he told viewers yesterday morning. “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.

“It’s something I’ve agonised over because it’s honest to say this is one of the best jobs on earth, but we think it’s right – and at the right time – for our little family.

“While I’m sad, and I’m doing everything possible presently not to look Mon in the eye, where I am right now is honestly a place of incredible gratitude. For the laughs, the lessons, the tears, the phenomenal sense of life perspective, the carousels of astonishing snacks (even the tofu).

“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.”

Prior to Seven, Doran was with Foxtel and Network 10 and hosted daily American series Crime Watch Daily.

“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,” he continued.

“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. 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.

“I am even grateful for the likes of Janet who keeps me humble… she stopped me on street and said, ‘you should do the weather every day’.. I’m assuming she thought I was (James Tobin)… Then there are those incredible viewers who have told me that our stories have helped them or changed things for them in some small way.. And probably the thing I’m most proud of, is when you write in or say to me ‘gee that segment made me laugh or made me smile’.

“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.

“If you would indulge just a moment longer.

“I would like to thank Kerry Stokes our Chairman for the privilege of this role for the last five years. Anthony De Ceglie and of course a very special thanks to Sarah Stinson the Director of Morning TV – she is an incredible leader, one of the best executive producers I’ve worked for, and she genuinely cares about her team.”

Acknowledging co-host Monique Wright he said, “There will be time over the next few weeks to properly say goodbye and thank my family and the amazing Weekend Sunrise family but for now.. I do need to say this..

“Mon… you are not just a colleague; you are my best friend, and I am going to miss you.

“Let me tell you, however incredible you think Mon is on camera, it’s 10-fold behind the scenes – it’s the little things she does as a friend for her friends, that she doesn’t broadcast, and they in my opinion sum up her character, and define her.”

Monique Wright, said, “I’ve had the great joy of spending weekends over the past five years with a best friend. 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. His ability to connect and show how much he genuinely cares means he always gets the very best out of people.

“As one of the funniest, most self-deprecating people I’ve ever met, I am forever grateful for the huge, uncontrollable belly laughs I have shared with Matt. Our friendship and laughs will continue off screen and while I’ll miss him terribly at work, I’m so happy for Matt and Kenny [Matt’s wife Kendall] and for them to now enjoy their much-deserved weekends together!”

Sarah Stinson, Seven’s Director of Morning Television: “Matt has been an integral and much-loved member of the Weekend Sunrise family. His warmth, humour, and unique perspective have brought so much to our mornings over the past five years. While we will greatly miss him, we are excited for his next chapter and extend our heartfelt thanks for all he has contributed – not only to our viewers but to the entire team.”

Anthony De Ceglie, Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs and Seven West Media Editor-in-Chief: “We thank Matt for his commitment to the network for nearly a decade, include five standout years as co-host of Weekend Sunrise. His passion for news and on-air rapport with Monique have been key to the program’s continued ratings dominance. His skill in live reporting and brave investigations in that time are also to be commended, bringing critical stories to audiences that have driven meaningful change. We wish Matt nothing but the best for the future.”

His final Weekend Sunrise is Sunday 8 December. Seven is yet to announce a successor.