Recently I broke the news that comedian and political satirist Shaun Micallef will be fronting ABC TV’s long-running Gardening Australia from 2024.
Today I can bring readers of The Bug more exclusive revelations about the national broadcaster’s program line-up for next year following the official “upfront” event held in Sydney last week to preview its new offerings.
My usually reliable sources within the ABC tell me it will be leveraging the popularity of several British-made shows and giving them a distinct Down Under flavour.
The first will be a version of the ever-popular Midsomer Murders that has screened by the UK network ITV since 1997.
In the ABC’s variant local cartoon superstar Bluey will join current cast members Neil Dudgeon as Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby and Nick Hendrix as Detective Sergeant Jamie Winter. (main picture)
I am told that Bluey will play a character called Stinky – an Australian cadaver search dog sent to Midsomer who sniffs out or digs up the multitude of dead bodies that apparently festoon the streets, forests, and stately homes of the fictitious English county.
Bluey refused an interview for this story, but I understand the lovable cartoon blue heeler cattle dog is very excited at the prospect of breaking out of the children’s TV market in an attempt to avoid typecasting.
Another British perennial to be adapted for Australian screens is a new version of the UK Channel 4’s Grand Designs.
The ABC has previously made and screened Grand Designs Australia based on the UK version fronted since 1999 by Kevin McCloud.
But I am told by ABC insiders that its newest series, Grunge Designs, will take a more realistic look at the current housing market by examining how homeless Aussies build makeshift shelters top allow them to sleep rough on the streets of our major cities. (below)
I also am told that a host for the new show is yet to be announced because the ABC is having trouble finding a local celebrity or architect willing to front it. But stayed tuned because my investigations are continuing.
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