SUNRISE SHAKE-UP: 'I WON'T BE PUSHED OUT'

A young gun is being prepped to replace veteran star Mark

The ink on Mark Beretta's curiously short two-year Sunrise contract hasn't even dried yet but young gun reporter Katie Brown is said to be preparing to take over from him when his contract expires in 2025! Katie has been impressing network bosses as she covers for weatherman Sam Mac during his paternity leave, and sources point out she has a history of standing out.

"It didn't take her long to be promoted from the Brisbane newsroom, where she went from sports reporter to a full-time gig as a Sunrise reporter," says an insider.

With the arrival of new co-host Matt Shirvington, who took over from veteran David Koch earlier this year, the Seven decision-makers are said to be testing the waters to see whether it's time to put a fresh face into the sports role in the next few years.

The insider adds its similar to when Seven road-tested Shirvo opposite Natalie Barr in Kochie's final year. "That groundwork made for Nat and Shirvo's winning chemistry," says the source. "Katie is just a country kid who appeals to all audiences for her no-nonsense style," the spy adds while hinting that "a few people behind the scenes have quietly voiced that Mark's flashy lifestyle might not always resonate with viewers."

"The irony in all of this is that Beretts is one of Katie's biggest supporters and has almost been a mentor to her," tells the insider, who says whatever comes of Mark's future, he will want to be the one making the decision and "not be pushed out".

"With Katie on the rise, he may be wondering if, in fact, he's done himself out of a job!" the source laughs.