David Koch praises former Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle

Melissa Doyle co-hosted Seven’s breakfast program Sunrise alongside David ‘Kochie’ Koch from 2002 to 2013.

And after the news broke that she has left the network, David praised his former colleague for her talent in a heartfelt tribute aired on the 7pm News on Friday.

‘Sunrise wouldn’t be what it is today without Mel Doyle. She was part of the founding group that sort of reimagined breakfast television,’ the 64-year-old said.   

David went on to commend Melissa, 50, for her endearing personality off-camera.

‘She’s incredibly warm and she’s compassionate. She’s family oriented. [Got] a great sense of humour, great values. And we almost became part of each other’s family.’ 

During the heartfelt tribute, Seven compiled numerous segments from Sunrise and other programs over the years, showing just how far she’s come.

The Morning Show’s Kylie Gillies also weighed in on Melissa’s reputation across the industry and with viewers.

‘Mel’s seen it all, she’s done it all, and she’s done it so well in that typical Mel way,’ the 53-year-old said.   

She went on to say: ‘We’re going to miss Mel terribly, but you know what? It’s going to be the viewers who miss her the most. They love her as much as we do.’   

On Friday, Seven announced that Melissa had left the network after an incredible 25 years at the network.  

During her career, she hosted several of Seven’s flagship programs, including Sunrise, Today Tonight, 7News, Sunday Night and The Latest.

Her departure is believed to be the result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Seven particularly hard.   

According to industry website Radio Today, Melissa will continue hosting her weekend show on Nova-owned station Smooth FM. 

As news broke of her departure from Seven, Melissa said in a statement: ‘For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home. I’ve had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history.

‘I am incredibly proud of the work I have done and appreciative of the trust and warmth our viewers have shown me.

‘I want to thank the consummate professionals I have worked with along the way, in particular our Chairman Kerry Stokes for his constant support.

‘I leave Seven with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.’ 

Melissa first joined Seven’s Canberra bureau as a political reporter back in 1995. She then moved to Sydney, working as a newsreader on the 11AM program. 

After 11 years working alongside David Koch on Sunrise, the mother-of-two announced she was leaving Sunrise, departing in August 2013. 

Melissa remained with the network, however, presenting Seven Afternoon News and Seven News at 7.

In 2015, she was announced as host and senior correspondent for Sunday Night, but the current affairs show was cancelled in October 2019, as a cost-cutting measure.