Matt Doran's 'weird' final show prompts viewer 'conspiracies' about the Sunrise star's abrupt exit

Matt Doran's final appearance on Weekend Sunrise on Sunday has been branded  'weird' by some viewers.

The popular breakfast star did not host his farewell program, with Mark Beretta instead taking to the couch alongside Monique Wright, and Matt relegated to roving around the studio for a series of lighthearted segments instead. 

He finally made it onto the couch for a final farewell during the show's last hour.

The move has prompted speculation that the 41-year-old media veteran, who announced he was leaving the network last month, may have been 'nudged' rather than leaving entirely of his own accord.

He was not seen on the Weekend Sunrise desk on Saturday either.

One viewer described Matt's farewell, while surrounded by his long term colleagues including his regular Weekend Sunrise co-host Wright, as 'definitely weird'.

'The early parts of the show was definitely weird, as well as the general vibe being given off from Seven in recent weeks including the announcement,' the armchair critic wrote on industry blog Media Spy. 

They continued: 'Really hope it was Doran’s decision and he was well supported, especially knowing a lot of what he’s (openly) been through.  

'Bye Matt, hopefully he’ll pop up prominently on Aussie FTA again one day, maybe even Nine or Foxtel, as he’s demonstrated both his professional serious side but also his natural funny banter side at both Ten and Seven rather successfully now.'

Another viewer said: 'I imagine his contract came up and he just chose not to renew it.

'Possibly he was nudged by 7 not to renew but I don’t think it’s as big a deal as some are making it out to be..

Meanwhile, some viewers appeared to be offended by the discussion over Matt's sudden exit from the troubled network.

'I don’t really understand the conspiracies surrounding Matt’s departure,' the viewer began.

'No one really knows and most likely will never know...I find it distasteful and disgusting people here want to make a bigger deal out of it than it really is.' 

'I think it's a fair discussion point to be honest,' responded another viewer on the blog.

'The questions behind Matt’s departure are more than valid considering just months ago there was a report that his position was being looked at. 

'Of course it could and probably is just a coincidence and the timing is what it is but it’s most certainly still a valid discussion topic.

'Let’s not also forget that the network is in cost cutting mode too so the axing of a high profile talent wouldn’t be out of the question either.

'The fact his lack of appearances since the announcement, and especially today just rocking up for the last hour, will naturally have people asking questions as to what’s happened behind the scenes.'

Matt called time on his five years at Weekend Sunrise during an emotional announcement live on air at the end of the show late last month. 

The Seven star recently opened up about his struggles with depression on The Morning Show.

He said he will be taking time to focus on family and to pursue other opportunities.

The breakfast show host broke down in tears speaking about his friendship with his closest colleague as he told Seven viewers of his decision.

'Mon, you are not just a colleague, you are my best friend and I am going to miss you, any chance of a hug?' he said.

In September - when Matt appeared on Morning Sunrise to spruik his latest book, Mental State, on Australia's mental healthcare system - he bravely opened up about his own struggles with depression.

'Are we getting better, do you think, Doctor, at putting our hand up like you did and saying, "I've got a problem with anxiety"?' Matt asked Dr Cross.

'I've had huge problems with depression over the last couple of years, too, but people, I think, are still frightened to come forward and say that.'

'It's amazing you say that the more we talk about it the better it is,' Dr Cross said, commending Matt for speaking so openly about his depression on television.

Matt has sparked concerns in recent years after he mysteriously disappeared from work on two separate occasions.

In June, he failed to arrive to the Seven studios for work on Weekend Sunrise.

A network spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia at the time that Matt was 'on leave'.

A Channel Seven reporter has been tipped to replace Doran.

Seven's US Correspondent David Woiwod, who is based in Los Angeles, is likely to step into the co-hosting role opposite Monique Wright, according to news.com.au.