Could Kyle Sandilands soon return to the judge's chair on Channel Ten?
The entertainment industry is abuzz with rumours that the shock jock is in discussions to host a new program on the network that dumped him almost a decade ago.
The show will be similar to Hughesy, We Have a Problem but with more Judge Judy-style antics, according to insiders. The description is interesting given CBS – the American TV network that broadcasts Judge Judy – now owns Network Ten.
The radio host's US-based manager hasn't quashed speculation, but did say nothing has been locked in as yet.
"We're always looking at new TV ideas and talking to the networks," he said in a statement. "At this stage we have not signed any new deals."
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Network Ten has remained tight-lipped, with a spokeswoman refusing to comment.
Kyle Sandilands could be returning to TV screens.
Photo: Getty Images
Sandilands was unceremoniously fired from Channel Ten in 2009 after a radio stunt went horribly wrong. The broadcaster had been grilling a 14-year-old girl attached to a lie detector when she revealed she had been raped.
The shock jock lost his job on Australian Idol as a result of the interview. At the time, Ten executives said they were forced to act in response to mounting pressure from both sponsors and viewers.
"It has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family-focused show … [Kyle's] radio persona has taken on a more controversial position," Ten's statement read.
Commercial radio personalities taking on additional work can spark tensions among co-hosts given the immense pressure to secure the best possible ratings. However, it is understood Sandilands' on-air partner Jackie O is supportive of his potential redemption at Ten.
While Sandilands has made TV appearances after losing his judge's robes at Idol, he has only had guest appearances on Ten in recent years. Last year he was briefly welcomed back with a spot on All Star Family Feud.
A spokeswoman for ARN said the broadcaster doesn't comment on the specifics surrounding its employees' contracts. However, she pointed out many of the company's radio personalities also work on television.
"This not only has benefits for their public profile, but is complementary to the work they do with their radio show," she said.
Broede Carmody is an entertainment reporter at Fairfax Media.
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