MARK BERETTA THE SUN SETS FOR A LEGEND!

After two decades on Sunrise, the beloved presenter bids farewell to TV... for now

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He's arguably one of the nicest blokes in TV, so when Sunrise's Mark Beretta OAM made the shock decision to call it quits after three decades with Seven, instead of rattling off his own accolades and achievements, the beloved sports presenter chose to focus on the man he credits for much of his success - his great friend and former co-host David Koch.

“Kochie was both my mentor and my mate - I've always looked up to him and just admire him so much,” Mark, who celebrates his 60th birthday next year, tells Woman's Day. “He really cares, takes the time to listen and has great empathy. He taught me a lot about really engaging people, and not just going through the motions - it's a quality I'll forever be indebted to him for because I think it's carried me well for most of my career.”

FAMILY COMES FIRST

Having spent more than half his life at the Seven Network, Beretts, as he is fondly known, admits it was not an easy decision to leave his Sunrise family after more than 20 years at the helm.

“I have mixed feelings if I'm honest, and it was a very difficult decision but it was time - I'm ready to do something different and how that looks I'm still not sure,” he says.

“Losing Dad [David] to cancer two months ago, and now Mum [Joan] fighting on against the disease, it's made me see the world a little differently,” he says with a tear.

Family time has never been more important for the former Australian waterski champion. Daughter Ava, now 21, gave birth to little Arlo back in 2023, Mark and his ex-wife Rachel's first grandchild.