DARYL SOMERS exits as DR CHRIS BROWN Becomes New Host of DWTS

Channel 7 appears set to make a significant change to one of the network’s highest rating formats, Dancing With The Stars.

The Herald-Sun is reporting Channel 7’s highly paid new recruit Dr. Chris Brown is set to take the reins as the new host for Dancing With The Stars in a move that will likely see the end of industry legend Daryl Somers’ association with the network.

It’s anticipated that Brown will be unveiled as the co-host for the upcoming season of DWTS alongside the show’s mainstay, Gold Logie winner Sonia Kruger, during Channel 7’s Upfront 2024 presentation this week.

Hints of the potential dynamic between Kruger and Brown were seen earlier this year. Both presented the celebrity arrivals segment during the Logie Awards in July for Channel 7.

The popular veterinarian, joined Seven earlier this year after a surprise move that saw him poached away from his long time home at Channel 10.

In addition to DWTS, the new contract with Channel 7 will Dr Chris Brown produce and host a yet-to-be-named format which has been described as a “spectacular new adventure series“, taking in some of the most mind-blowing scenery on the planet, all in pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter in the experience of a lifetime.

The presenter will also host a third program for the network. The new reality series titled Dream Home appears set to compete against The Block as “an inspiring new renovation competition where the great Australian dream is transformed into the great Australian dream home.”

TV Blackbox exclusively broke the news of the Dream Home format coming to Seven in May, and suggested at the time this would be a vehicle for Brown once he landed at the network.

Somers, a stalwart of Australian television, has been synonymous with DWTS since Channel 7 revived the show in 2021, following its discontinuation by Channel 10. Somers was also the face of the show during its initial run from 2004 and oversaw its first seven seasons. The program has seen various other hosts over the years, including Daniel MacPherson, Shane Bourne, Spice Girl Mel B, Amanda Keller, Grant Denyer, and Edwina Bartholomew.

With an illustrious career spanning decades, Somers, now 72, is an undisputed legend in the Australian TV industry. He’s renowned for his creation and presentation of Hey Hey It’s Saturday over its 28-year tenure and is a three-time Gold Logie recipient.

However the presenter faced widespread criticism after an embarrassing attempt at comedy during the presentation of the Gold Logie award at this year’s event.

SOURCE: Herald-Sun