Sunrise newreader Natalie Barr While Seven has not yet announced Sam's replacement, industry website TV Blackbox reports newsreader Natalie Barr will be stepping in alongside co-anchor David 'Kochie' Koch. Viewers of the show previously begged for Natalie to replace Sam permanently when she filled in as Kochie's co-host while Sam took leave from Sunrise when tying the knot with millionaire beau Richard over the New Year's period. Natalie, 52, who will celebrate 20 years with the program in 2023, has often filled in for Sam and former Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle in the past. A source told TV Blackbox the network would look favorably towards Natalie to replace Sam as she knows the program better than anyone and is loved by viewers.