Edwina Bartholomew throws her support behind Samantha Armytage's replacement Natalie Barr and celebrates a 'new dawn' for Sunrise

Edwina Bartholomew has thrown her support behind Natalie Barr, who will take the helm at Sunrise after Samantha Armytage announced her departure. 

In a post shared to Instagram on Sunday, the 37-year-old paid tribute to her co-star, 52, and the 'new chapter' of the morning show. 

She wrote: 'A new dawn with the incomparable Natalie Barr at the helm of Sunrise. I have worked alongside Nat on and off for almost twenty years. 

'She is the hardest working person I know, an excellent journalist and wonderful mum to her two boys.

'Extremely elegant but also a self-confessed dag, I can’t wait to see what she brings to the role.' 

Edwina went on to thank Natalie personally for standing by her side when she had a new baby.

She wrote: 'On a personal note, Nat has been such a great support since I had Molly with more than a few chats in the change room about the challenges of sleepless nights and juggling it all.'

'Bring on Monday morning and this next chapter' Edwina concluded. 

Natalie Barr was officially confirmed as Samantha permanent replacement on Channel Seven's Sunrise on Sunday.     

In a statement on Sunday, she told viewers she's looking forward to stepping into Samantha's shoes. 

'Sunrise has been my work family for 18 years and while I've absolutely loved my role as newsreader, I've now been given the chance to move half a metre along the desk closer to Kochie and give something new a try,' she said.

'I like to think of it as same same, but different. I can't wait!' Natalie said. 

As of Monday, Natalie will sit alongside co-host David 'Kochie' Koch on the panel as she makes her official debut in the coveted role.    

Sam, 44, marked her last day on Sunrise on Thursday, and broke down in tears during an emotional farewell. 

She had announced her resignation live on air last Monday, saying she wanted to step back from TV to spend more time with her family.