Television

Gretel evicted, Kyle and Jackie intrude   Author: eNews staff and agencies | Oct 29, 2007, 12:04

The Ten Network has got the seven year itch and separated itself from Gretel Killeen and gone and got hitched to the devil in Kyle Sandilands and his sidekick Jackie O.

Given Sandilands' at times appalling and oafish performances on Australian Idol, it’s a move Ten and its producing cohort, Endermol Southern Star, could very much regret.

Sandilands is a polarising figure: Idol ratings have shrunk since he's been involved with the program. He of course isn't to blame; it’s the quality of the contestants this year in particular, and the inability of many of them to hold an audience.

As of last Thursday Ten and Endermol Southern Star hadn't resigned for this year, despite claims six weeks ago that there had been an unofficial agreement.

This statement does take it a bit further towards signing. In fact Ten is now saying this announcement of the new hosts means BB will be back.

It will, with significant cost cuts and changes in approach: it has to do something. It is likely, with Kyle Sandilands, to return to a nasty streak. That will not be nice.

Ten has wanted to cut costs and make changes in the format to match the ailing ratings to the revenue: part of Ten's problems is that major advertisers who might like Big Brother, believe it now too expensive.

Ten is making a big push to match ratings and revenue: in the case of Big Brother (and Idol next year), that will involve a cut in costs to try and bring about some alignment.

And if they thought there were PR problems this year and last on BB, just wait till Kyle Sandilands goes off like a time bomb next year, as he is known to do on his radio program with Ms O in full support.

Australian Idol advertisers will not want any association with BB, so watch for Sandilands to leave the Idol judging panel next year because of Big Brother.

Ten thought the return of Dicko as a judge for Idol this year would help. He's been a bit more rigorous (and generous) than the others. Kyle Sandilands hasn't been in the best of form and has struggled with Dicko's presence.

Sandilands and Jackie O might be big deal in Sydney breakfast radio Monday to Friday, but they do not travel well to other markets.

Gretel Killeen's skewering isn't before time. She's been increasingly shrill and a source of worry for remaining BB fans, although she remains the only woman in TV who can control a live audience and run a TV show at the same time.

What’s interesting is that Ten is trying to leverage off the popularity Sandilands and his sidekick have in the demo in Sydney for BB, rather than create a star by finding someone different to replace Gretel.

It's a sign of how the network and the producers have run out of ideas. BB must be near terminal. Next year would have to be its last gasp for Australia if the changes don't work.

That’s why Ten is developing a local version of So You Think You Can Dance.

"Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O, hosts of Australia's highest-rating FM radio show, will host Big Brother 2008, replacing Gretel Killeen who has decided to move on to other projects.

"Network Ten (TEN) and Endemol Southern Star (ESS) made the announcement today and confirmed Big Brother's return to TEN in a tighter, re-energised format that will be more interactive than ever before."

Gretel Killeen said: "Working on Big Brother has been an extraordinary, challenging and rewarding experience. I'm really proud of what we've achieved but I now have the 'seven year itch' and am busting to get on with a million new things, including my first feature film which we're shooting in the new year."

"David Mott, TEN's chief programming officer, thanked Gretel for seven exceptional years as Big Brother host, saying: "We thought long and hard about whether there could even be a Big Brother without Gretel, so synonymous has she become with the franchise in Australia. Gretel's wish to concentrate on new projects gave us the opportunity to start at the top in making BB08 a completely different show."

"Southern Star Group chief executive officer, Hugh Marks, said: "Gretel has played a pivotal role in bringing Big Brother to Australian audiences, and we can't thank her enough for seven wonderful years as host.

"Next year with new hosts, a re-energised format and greater levels of interactivity than ever before, I'm confident we will attract a larger share of the target audience for many years to come."

Yes, well, it would help if Ten signed up to make the program next year.

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