Entertainment

Seven's Sunrise unveils new set, logo and presenter as ratings battle heats up

Sunrise has got a brand new look, and it's imported from the US.

Sunrise's new set was unveiled on Monday morning.
Sunrise's new set was unveiled on Monday morning. Photo: Twitter

If you tuned into the top rating breakfast show on Monday, you'll have noticed the program has been given a total overhaul: a new studio, a new host - even a slightly different logo.

The flashy set is the creation of top New York set designer Jim Fenhagen, who has worked on The Colbert ShowGood Morning Britain and Good Morning America.

Sunrise.
Sunrise. Photo: Twitter

Former weather presenter Edwina Bartholomew will become a fifth desk presenter, while Sunrise has moved to an earlier time of 5.30am to compete with Nine rival, Today.

Popular segment Kochie's Angels has also been axed as part of the redesigned show, which Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell says will reflect more modern television viewers.

"We're constantly trying to evolve and innovate and do things better than we did last year. The current look at Sunrise was six years old. The world has changed a lot in six years so we have to adapt," Pell told Fairfax.

"You'll see changes in the content and in the presentation. Viewers have less time than they did a few years ago.

Former weather presenter Edwina Bartholomew has defended her Sunrise colleague Sam Armytage in the face of the Kristin ...
Former weather presenter Edwina Bartholomew has defended her Sunrise colleague Sam Armytage in the face of the Kristin Davis interview. Photo: Facebook

"I think in television the worst thing you can do is stand still. You constantly have to evolve and move with the times."

On Friday, comedian Sam Mac (real name Sam McMillan), was announced as the new roving weather presenter after Bartholomew spent three years on the road.

The choice came as a surprise after weeks of speculation that Rob Mills, Olympian Matthew Mitcham and Emma Freedman were the hot favourites for the plum role.

Pell said he was happy Mac had been described by some as a "wildcard choice".

"He's not a predictable choice and I think that's a good thing. What he will bring is that unpredictability and I think the segment has to feel fresh. That was the driving force in choosing Sam."

"I'm actually really excited to see what he can do. With a role like that I give them free rein. I know he's already got big ideas."

Bartholomew will be the fifth Martin Place-based host and will cover a variety of entertainment news and long-form stories.

"This new role will allow her to meet interesting people and talk to interesting characters," Pell said. "One of her biggest strengths is talking to real people about real issues. There's no way I wanted her to go anywhere."

Pell is certainly not averse to taking risks. In 2013, he controversially replaced host Mel Doyle with Samantha Armytage, immediately lifting Sunrise's ratings.

The new overhaul will see the removal of popular discussion forum Kochie's Angels, which has sparked many headlines over the years with heated debate on topics such as immunisation.

"I love Kochie's Angels but change is healthy. Refreshing things up is never a bad thing and I can't promise that it won't be back.

"Some of the great moments have come from Kochie's Angels, but in 2016 there are just other avenues you can explore."

Competition between Today and Sunrise is expected to become even more intense in 2016 as the ratings gap between the top shows narrows.

Changes are also being made over at Nine, where weekend program Mornings will be given a new set and rebranded to Today Extra from February 8.