Killeen leaves Big Brother
Exclusive, By Fiona Connolly, Media Writer
October 27, 2007 04:35pm
CHANNEL Ten star Gretel Killeen is leaving the Big Brother series after seven years as host.
The Ten Network intends on airing an eighth series of the show next year, but with falling ratings across the franchise, the show is set to undergo a major re-vamp with Killeen "the first on the list" to go.
Industry sources said network executives signed off on the decision last week.
Aside from having a new host, Big Brother will also undergo a fresh new format, with a re-think of the rules, a new set and a possible location change all on the discussion board.
Although the final show of Big Brother 7 this year attracted an average audience of 1.9 million viewers, it was still down from its peak of 2.9 million in 2004.
Overall, the reality series has been a ratings disappointment this year, particularly in Ten's core demographic of 18 to 49-year-olds, where it has dropped almost 15 per cent.
"It's actually amazing it (the re-vamp) hasn't happened before now.
"It's been in need of a face lift for at least the last two seasons," an industry source said today.
Some viewers on dedicated fan websites have expressed discontent with Killeen, accusing her of being aggressive with some housemates and gushing with praise of others.
Dedicated fan websites have accused her of being "rude", "judgmental" and "sarcastic" during her final season with others saying the 46-year-old was "old and tired".
But Killeen still has a large fan base with viewers, who have expressed strong support for the host on internet blogs and chat forums.
Fans on a forum from unofficial.com.au have backed their beloved Killeen saying: "Big Brother Wouldn't Be Big Brother If It Wasn't For Her!!!
"No One Would Watch it if it wasn't for her!
"She is the best host and the best thing for Bb!"
With time remaining on her contract with Ten, Killeen is believed to be pursuing other projects, which include writing a drama series for Ten and a new book.
She recently returned from New York where she met with publishers and is working on a film script.
Among contenders to replace Killeen is Big Brother Up Late and Friday Night Games host Mike Goldman, who is a proven hit among loyal fans and former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte who will be road-tested as host of the upcoming So You Think You Can Dance series.
Falling ratings have been of such concern to Ten, it is understood staff from the network and the Edemol Southern Star group, were asked to "be creative", and provide ideas to freshen up the franchise.
Network Ten refused to comment this week, saying talk of Killeen's role and the re-vamp of the show was "pre-mature".
The news also comes after Ten almost lost the flagship BB brand in a fierce bidding war with the Seven Network last month - a battle which pushed the price up to more than $40 million.
"They're gonna have to prove that money was well spent and get some viewers back," a source said today.
Big Brother himself, Endemol Southern Star group manager Kris Noble, recently resigned from the production company.
The group's new boss Rory Callaghan is believed to have backed the move to let Killeen move on.
It is understood former Channel Nine Executive Producer Virginia Hodgson will take over the role of Big Brother.
Killeen has fronted more than 250 shows and interviewed more than 100 evictees.
Killeen has declined to comment, and Channel Ten did not return calls after being contacted by The Daily Telegraph Online today.
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