Dr Chris Brown refuses to deny speculation he’s replacing David ‘Kochie’ Koch on Sunrise

It’s the question on the lips of breakfast television fans across the country – who will replace David ‘Kochie’ Koch as the co-host of Sunrise? 

And evidence is mounting that Channel Seven’s newest recruit Dr Chris Brown may be next in line for the throne. 

Brown, who departed Channel 10 in after signing a million-dollar deal with Seven in February, tellingly refused to deny speculation he’s replacing Kochie during an awkward chat with Triple M’s Mick & MG on Tuesday. 

Molloy, who is also employed by Seven as host of The Front Bar, said he’s convinced Brown will replace Kochie after putting the clues together about his new contract.

‘Your timing is, is very curious. You’ve just been poached by from 10 to the Seven network,’ Molloy told Brown. 

‘You’ve come over on a big dollar deal. I know the actual figures and you’re going have to do something to justify that kind of money and I believe that you are hands down,’ he added.

Molloy also revealed that Brown had specifically asked him not to talk about the Sunrise rumours before he came onto the radio program.

Brown however refused to be pressed on the matter and instead made several awkward jokes.

The most high-profile job in Australian TV became vacant on Monday with the announcement Kochie (pictured) will be stepping down as co-host of Sunrise after 21 years 

‘You’re the guy on the inside of Seven! You know all the deals,’ Brown teased Molloy, 

Skirting around the issue once again, the former I’m a Celebrity host added: ‘Kochie’s had a very successful career and I think the focus should be on Kochie right now.’

Despite his refusal to answer the question, Daily Mail Australia understands Brown won’t be fronting Sunrise as he is already set to host a home renovation show. 

Mick Molloy (pictured), who is also employed by Seven as host of The Front Bar, said he’s convinced Brown will replace Kochie after putting the clues together about his new contract

‘You’ve come over on a big dollar deal. I know the actual figures and you’re going have to do something to justify that kind of money and I believe that you are hands down,’ Molloy said. Brown is pictured with the cast of Sunrise 

Kochie’s replacement will most likely be announced in the next few days, as the veteran TV personality is set to wrap up his time on the show in two weeks.

Meanwhile, former Olympian Matt Shirvington is the bookies’ favourite to occupy Kochie’s seat, having been the breakfast show’s go-to fill-in for the last couple of years.

The sports presenter is already the regular host on Fridays – Kochie only works a four-day week – and also steps in whenever one of the anchors goes on holiday.

Shirvington, known to viewers as ‘Shirvo’, impressed executives last year when he covered for Kochie during his annual leave, seamlessly adapting to the role.

He reportedly gained the confidence of Seven’s top brass, reports The Australian.

Moving forward, Kochie’s focus will be shifting towards a standard work schedule and enjoying a more flexible lifestyle.

Former Olympian Matt Shirvington (right) is the bookies’ favourite to occupy Kochie’s seat, having been the breakfast show’s go-to fill-in for the last couple of years