Sunrise viewers react as Samantha Armytage quits the breakfast show after eight years

Sunrise host Sam Armytage broke down in tears as she announced her departure from the Channel Seven breakfast program on Monday.

And viewers have now reacted to the surprising news on social media, with some even calling for co-host David ‘Kochie’ Koch to leave too.

‘It’s about time. Next to go David Koch… Both are self centred. Bye bye,’ one person wrote on Facebook.

‘I wish her well but I was sick of her and her one-sided opinions anyway… best of luck to her and her endeavours,’ a second said.

‘Get rid of Kochie as well please,’ one viewer commented. ‘Now get rid of Kochie and I might watch it,’ another agreed.

‘She was never a good replacement for Melissa,’ another said, referring to Sam’s predecessor on Sunrise, Mel Doyle.

While some agreed it was time for Seven to introduce a new host, others expressed their disappointment over Sam’s resignation.

One supporter wrote: ‘I love Sam and Kochie! You’ll be truly missed, Sam.’

‘So sad to see you go. I will miss you but good luck in your future… you were great,’ another wrote.

Samantha tearfully announced her resignation from Sunrise live on air on Monday, after hosting Channel Seven’s top-rating breakfast show for eight years.

The 44-year-old, who joined the program in 2013, said: ‘The time has come for the sun to set on my time at Sunrise. I have always been brave and fearless in my career and this decision is no different.’

She explained she was leaving of her own choosing, and was looking forward to life away from the spotlight after a ‘bittersweet’ year that included the death of her mother, Libby, and her marriage to businessman Richard Lavender.

Sam’s last day will be Thursday.