New Sunrise host Samantha Armytage says she was surprised to be offered the job and has dismissed suggestions outgoing host Melissa Doyle was shafted by the Seven network because she was too old.
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She maintains Doyle wanted a break and a "sleep-in".
"I mean she's 43, honestly, that's not old," Armytage said.
"I think Mel wanted a change. I can't speak for Mel but from what I understand she wanted a change. She's been getting up early for 14 years, I mean give the poor woman a break. She wanted a sleep-in and the network accommodated her with a really fantastic new role and she's really happy. And I can understand that, you don't want to be doing things forever."
The Sunday Canberra Times spoke to Armytage before reports emerged last week claiming there had been a network campaign to replace Doyle who had presented Sunrise for 14 years.
Doyle took to her Facebook page on Friday to address the "fictional stories" and "rumour mill".
"I was presented with a new opportunity at the network and I decided to accept it," Doyle said.
Armytage, 35, who grew up in the Snowy Mountains and started her career at WIN News in Canberra, said she was approached by Seven management several weeks ago to test for the role.
"As these things tend to roll out, they sort of tested me a while ago and said, 'What do you think if this was to happen?' and I was like, 'Oh, ok, a bit of a surprise, but, yeah, that would be great'. So it's probably been six weeks in the planning but I only found out the night before Mel announced it that she was going to announce it that day."
It has been reported that Doyle is now slated to present the 4.30pm news bulletin and co-host a new nightly news program on 7Two, as online discussion about the merits of Doyle and Armytage reached fever-pitch.
Looking forward to sitting on the couch full-time with co-host David Koch, Armytage said she was "more dry and harsh" than Doyle who was "amazingly nice".
"I mean the dynamic with Kochie will be different and I would never, ever try to emulate what they've got because it's not my style and it wouldn't work for Kochie and I. We have a different dynamic. We get on really well and it'll be fun," she said.
Armytage also addressed talk at the time about some industry surprise that Sunrise newsreader Natalie Barr was not selected to replace Doyle.
"There's always a little bit of a rough patch when there is massive change like this, people will say what they want to say and who they think should get the job," Armytage said.
"But, anyway, I'm thrilled and Nat's really happy. And Mel, I think, is really happy to be getting some sleep-ins and what she's going on to sounds fantastic. She wanted the break, so it's all good."
