Seven is reportedly hard at work trying to find a new host for I’m A Celebrity after it announced it had snagged the series from Channel 10.
Network 10 said back in May that it had decided to axe the iconic reality series from its schedule, giving rivals the chance to bid for the show.
Following weeks of rumours regarding its future, it was revealed earlier this month that Seven had beaten off stiff competition and poached the show for itself.
It was initially believed that Seven could be keen on bringing Robert Irwin on to host the show again, however his recently announced new gig with Channel 10 has strengthened his links to their rival and signalled that he is less inclined to jump ship.
“Robert remains incredibly popular with audiences, but Seven now has to decide whether it wants to continue with an established face or use the format to launch a completely new era,” one television industry source told News24.com.au.
The source claimed that Seven has yet to finalise any meetings with talent as of yet, and is instead still mulling its options.
Insiders say the network wants to take a measured approach to finding a new host, knowing its crucial to choose the right face.
“They know this is a major franchise,” one source said, adding: “The hosting combination will help define the new era of the show, so they don’t want to rush the decision or get it wrong.”
It’s believed names including former Home and Away star Sophie Dillman and broadcaster Ash London have been discussed by execs as potential hosts.
Meanwhile, it comes after a TV insider revealed what went down behind the scenes as rival networks fought tooth and nail for the hugely popular show.
“Nine genuinely wanted the show,” the TV insider told Sky News.
“They saw it as a proven tentpole that could comfortably sit between two of their biggest franchises and give audiences another major event series.”
The source claims that Nine’s pitch for the show may have seen the it moved back Down Under as a prerecorded series.
The insider also claimed that Ten ended up having second thoughts about axing the show, and at the eleventh hour “realised what they’d lost”.
As the power struggle for the show went on, Seven reportedly came in with the “strongest” vision for the franchise, which has been declining in popularity in recent years after becoming a somewhat stale format.
Seven reportedly pitched a “refreshed” version for the iconic show, with plans to draw from it’s array of in-house talent.