The Channel Seven Telethon saw one of the network’s legendary TV presenters make a surprise return on Sunday for a good cause.
David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 67, was part of the panel at Perth’s RAC Arena to help the annual event raise a record $77.5 million in just 26 hours for children’s charities.
The impressive total surpassed last year’s staggering $71,356,721.
In a behind-the-scenes video, Kochie encouraged viewers to call and donate.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far,” he said.
The former Sunrise host also challenged other stars to a lip sync battle, dressing in the jersey of his AFL club Port Adelaide and wearing a blonde mullet wig.
Kochie could barely remember the lyrics and didn’t have much time to practice, according to reports.
But the former breakfast show presenter still put in a stunning performance with his energy and enthusiasm.
David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 67, was part of the panel at Perth’s RAC Arena to help the annual event reach a new record, raising $77.5 million in just 26 hours for children’s charities. Photographed with the Rybka twins
In a behind-the-scenes video, Kochie encouraged viewers to call and donate.
Other stars of the telethon included Kochie’s former co-host Natalie Barr and her successor Matt Shirvington.
Shirvo turned up the heat when he channeled Tom Cruise in Risky Business for his own lip sync performance.
The Olympian, 44, dressed up as Cruise’s character from the iconic 1983 film as he took to the stage to recreate a key scene, of him singing Old Time Rock and Roll.
He looked every inch the superstar in a crisp white shirt which he teamed with matching boxer shorts and dancing shoes.
Elsewhere at the Telethon, Matt Shirvington (pictured) turned up the heat when he channeled Tom Cruise in Risky Business for his own lip sync performance.
Former Bachelor star Tim Robards also helped out that day
The TV presenter danced up a storm on stage and broke a sweat while singing the iconic Bob Seger song.
Other notable stars in attendance included Dr Chris Brown, The Bachelor star Tim Robards, former Wiggles star Emma Watkins and SAS chief instructor Ant Middleton.
The collective amount raised by the Telethon since its beginnings in 1968 reached more than $600 million as the fundraiser concluded Sunday evening.
Former Wiggles star Emma Watkins chatted to young children at event
SAS Chief Instructor Ant Middleton was also present.
And it wasn’t just Channel Seven stars who helped make it happen: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese donated a whopping $6 million from the federal government.
“It’s amazing how generous people are and how supportive the whole community is,” he said.
“The problem with the Telethon is that it aims to help the people who really need it: young children.
“It’s fantastic to see first-hand how every dollar makes a difference in the life of a young child – and that of their family. »
Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage also joined in and made an impressive donation from his own pocket.
The Hollywood legend, who is currently in Yallingup, Western Australia filming his upcoming film The Surfer, has personally pledged $5,000.
The collective amount raised by the Telethon since its beginnings in 1968 reached more than $600 million as the fundraiser concluded Sunday evening.
