EXCLUSIVE:
Today I can answer one of the big questions being asked in the wake of ABC TV hosting its “upfront” this week, the annual event at which networks showcase new and continuing programs in their line-up for the coming new year.
The question on everyone’s lips during and after the Sydney event was: Exactly what program will comedian and political satirist Shaun Micallef be fronting in 2024?
A big hint, but no answer, was given by Micallef himself who said: “It will not feature cooking, home renovations, marriage, singing, sport, RBT units, dogs, wilderness survival, quiz questions, news clips or stock footage.
He added: “It won’t have wearing masks, border security, amazing races, Lego, sitting on a panel or being marooned on an island in your underwear.”
Well, with that sort of tease a hard-nosed experienced entertainment reporter like me wasn’t going to rest until I found an answer.
Luckily several of my ABC sources came good and gave me a steer in the right direction.
They told me, quite logically, not to focus on what Micallef said, but to scrutinise what he didn’t say.
So I did just that and identified a genre of programming that Micallef hadn’t ruled out.
So I can tell readers of The Bug that I am confident that Micallef will be hosting the national broadcaster’s long-running and very popular Friday night show Gardening Australia from the start of 2024. (main picture)
I must admit that I am still to discover exactly what role its current host Costa Georgiadis will have with the ABC, if any, from next year.
Host of Q&A was mentioned by one of my sources, but I am yet to confirm that. So stay tuned in coming days for more news on that front and my reports breaking other news about the TV year ahead.
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