Sunrise host Natalie Barr absent from program after catching Covid

Viewers have been given an explanation as to why Sunrise host Natalie Barr has been missing from the program for over a week.

Fellow presenter David Koch revealed on Monday the 54-year-old is isolating at home after catching Covid-19.

Following a scheduled absence to visit family in Perth last week – during which Kylie Gillies filled in for her at the desk – fans of the show were expecting Barr to return to their screens on Monday.

Instead, Monique Wright stepped in to co-host Monday’s show, with her and Kochie left to explain Barr’s absence.

“Well, everyone’s been asking where’s Nat, well, you may have noticed she’s been missing over the past week or so,” Kochie said.

“She’s at home in isolation after testing positive for Covid.”

Sharing a video of Barr apparently cooking a hearty-looking soup, Wright added she had been keeping busy.

“But during her time off, Nat’s been very busy; she’s been trying new recipes, she’s also been working her way through her new wardrobe, doing some early spring cleaning and organising, due to being stuck in her bedroom.”

Kochie added Barr had so much free time, she had also cleaned out the bathroom cabinets and reorganised her sock drawer.

Wright questioned how much time Barr was actually spending cooking and cleaning, recounting the pair had actually spent time swapping TV recommendations.

“I was in iso last week with Covid and we were swapping TV shows,” Wright said.

“She’s getting through a lot of TV … I don’t know how much cooking and sock drawer organising is happening.”

Kochie also assured fans that Nat was feeling “pretty good,” which he attributed to her having four doses of vaccine.

“She’s fully vaccinated of course – all the four doses, her cough is virtually gone,” he said.

“We wish her a speedy recovery.”