When the shock news broke that Dr Chris Brown was defecting from Network Ten to rival Channel Seven, it didn’t take long for the rumours to start swirling about why. And one TV insider is convinced the popular star made the move for one reason only – to replace David Koch!
“Chris would be wanting the ‘holy grail’ of plum roles – which has to be Kochie’s Sunrise gig!” the insider shares with New Idea.
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Ruling over Brekky Central since 2002, Kochie currently hosts Sunrise opposite Natalie Barr.
Last July he renewed his contract for another two years, meaning Chris likely won’t inherit his spot on the couch until then.
“Still, Chris could become fill-in host until the time comes to make it permanent,” says a source. “Can you imagine how great he and Nat would be together on screen?!”
The move to news isn’t a whim that’s come out of the blue for Chris either.
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“He has made no secret he’s always fancied himself as a serious news journo and wants to be more than just a pretty face. The Sunrise format is right up his street.”
“He put it to Network Ten’s bosses, prior to quitting, that he wanted his own nightly news show, but they only ever saw him as a safe set of hands in the light entertainment category, and a TV vet at best,” says the insider.
“Network Ten has invested a lot in Chris over 15 years. From his Bondi Vet debut back in 2009, to The Living Room and co-hosting alongside Julia [Morris] on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here – he’s had a good run, but it’s clear it’s time to move on.”
Chris’ reported two-year deal with Channel Seven is believed to be worth more than $1 million a year. His new chapter is set to begin in July, once he finishes filming commitments for I’m A Celeb.
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The shift is a homecoming of sorts for Chris. He first kicked off his career in 2003 as a presenter on Seven’s Harry’s Practice, before moving to Nine’s Burke’s Backyard.
In a statement last week, Chris, 44, gushed about how excited he is to be returning to where it all began.
“I’m not entirely sure my old access pass works, but once we get over that hurdle and I’m back from the [I’m A Celeb] jungle, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some exciting new projects in the second half of the year and beyond with Seven,” he said.
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