Dr Chris Brown tipped to be David ‘Kochie’ Koch’s successor on Sunrise after signing with Seven

Dr Chris Brown shocked viewers earlier this month by defecting from Channel 10 after 15 years to move to rival network Seven.

And several industry insiders are convinced this is a strategic move on Dr Chris’ part to replace long-time Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch when he retires. 

‘He would be wanting the ‘holy grail’ of roles – which has to be Kochie’s Sunrise gig,’ a source told New Idea.

Dr Chris Brown (pictured) shocked viewers earlier this month by defecting from Channel 10 after 15 years to move to rival network Seven

Kochie recently renewed his Sunrise contract for another two years which means until then Dr Chris would have to make do with guest spots on the breakfast show.

They added Brown has long wanted a plum hosting gig on a ‘serious’ show and said the brekky program would be ideal for him when Kochie retires in a few years.

‘He has made no secret he’s always fancied himself as a serious news journo. The Sunrise format is right up his street,’ they added.

Several industry insiders are convinced this is a strategic move on Dr Chris’ part to replace long-time Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch (pictured) when he retires

Earlier this month the 44-year-old signed a deal with Seven and will officially join in July to produce ‘new projects’ for Channel Seven and 7Plus.

Dr Chris first joined Ten in 2008 to host Bondi Vet, which became a surprise ratings hit and was syndicated around the world.

The factual series was based on his real-life experience as a vet at the Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital in Sydney’s east.

‘Chris would be wanting the ‘holy grail’ of roles – which has to be Kochie’s Sunrise gig,’ a source said

He went on to become a part-time panelist on The Project and also co-hosted I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and The Living Room, which was axed last year.

The move to Seven is a homecoming of sorts for Dr Chris.

He started his TV career in 2003 as a presenter on Harry’s Practice on Seven, a role that earned him a Logie nomination for Most Popular New Talent.

The Sydney University graduate never planned to work in the media, but was discovered by a talent scout telling animal stories over a few beers in a pub.

Dr Chris first joined Ten in 2008 to host Bondi Vet, which became a surprise ratings hit and was syndicated around the world