Rising Concerns Over Potential Changes at Sunrise
Insiders have revealed that Nat Barr, the long-standing host of Sunrise, is quietly worried about the possibility of her co-host, Edwina Bartholomew, leaving the show. This concern has sparked discussions about potential shifts in the breakfast TV lineup, particularly as Eddy, as she’s affectionately known, is being tipped to move to The Morning Show.
Eddy’s recent successful co-hosting stint with Dr Chris Brown has led to speculation about her future on The Morning Show. The pair worked together at Sunrise since 2003, when Eddy joined as an intern and Nat was a newsreader. Their collaboration has been a significant part of the show’s history, making any talk of change particularly concerning for Nat.
Nat is known for her bright-eyed and smiling presence on Australia’s toughest early mornings. However, insiders suggest that behind the scenes, she is deeply concerned about the potential shake-up of the breakfast TV family she has worked hard to maintain. After years of ratings success at Brekky Central, a TV insider shared with New Idea that Nat is fiercely protective of the current line-up, which includes her co-host Matt Shirvington, weather reporter Sam Mac, and news presenter Edwina Bartholomew. Any whispers of talent reshuffles are seen as unwelcome distractions.
“Nat loves the team they’ve built,” the insider said. “She’s loyal to the people she works with, so any talk of change really hits hard.”
This particular concern comes amid growing buzz surrounding Eddy. Word is that she is being viewed as the future of The Morning Show following a successful fill-in stint alongside Dr Chris Brown back in April. As Eddy and Chris kept Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies’ seats warm, viewers were captivated by their chemistry and playful banter. Social media lit up with fans praising the pair.
“You two are hilarious and perfect together as hosts!” one viewer shared. Perhaps the biggest endorsement came from a long-time viewer who declared: “Dr Chris has always been my favourite fill-in host for Larry, love his personality and charisma and together with Eddy, another of my favourites, watching this morning is lovely.”
Executives have taken notice, with some seeing long-term potential in the pairing. However, New Idea also understands that there is currently no plan to shake up the hosting roles on either show. Should Larry or Kylie decide to step away from their program one day, “Eddy and Chris are in the box seat to step up.”
Over at Sunrise, the speculation has not gone unnoticed, with Nat reportedly especially worried at the prospect of her good friend Eddy moving on – even if that’s not set to happen imminently. The pair have worked together at the program in various roles since 2003, when Eddy joined as an intern, and Nat was a newsreader.
“Losing Eddy, or anyone, would be hard,” the insider said, especially as the team are still getting over farewelling their long-time colleague Mark Beretta. He resigned last November after 22 years on Sunrise.
“Nat wants the show’s consistency to continue so that the audience can keep trusting what they see every morning,” adds the source. “She feels like the team is really humming right now and there’s a real fear that if one piece disappears, the magic could shift.”
Whether anything ultimately comes of the shake-up chatter any time soon remains unclear, but one thing is certain: viewers have become captivated by the idea of Chris and Eddy as a potential hosting duo.
“Nat wants her friend exactly where she is,” the insider continues. “Eddy brings enormous heart to the show. The idea of her ever leaving genuinely upsets Nat.”
