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Sarah Murdoch to host ANTM

Sarah Murdoch is taking the host role, and promising to address some duty of care concerns.

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Sarah Murdoch will replace Jodhi Meares as host on Australia’s Next Top Model.

In what sounds like a good choice, Murdoch will also act as an executive producer on the show, while her contract with Foxtel also involves the creation of documentaries by her production company Room 329.

Murdoch attracted a positive response during her hosting stint on the Today show. She says she has been inundated with offers since.

“This is a great fit for me and I’m excited about making the documentaries also,” she told the Sunday Mail.

In a sensible move, she said it was imperative she did more than front the format in a bid to positively portray the models.

“Being involved on all levels was really important to me,” she said.

“Particularly with a show like Top Model because I know the business, I understand it and I feel like I can really contribute on every level as far as with the girls and how they’re portrayed and set them up for their careers hopefully.”

Murdoch replaces Meares who walked out on the show’s live grand final, leaving Charlotte Dawson to hold the fort. The last series also came under fire for bullying from some of the teenage contestants.

“There are issues within the show – it’s been contentious in the past in terms of bullying and body image – and they are things I’m ready to tackle head-on and ensure there’s a real care for the girls.”

Hurrah for that.

Auditions for the next season are underway.

Press Release:
In a major television coup, FOXTEL has secured Sarah Murdoch to host and co-executive produce the most successful series on subscription television – Australia’s Next Top Model.

As part of the multi-year landmark deal, Sarah’s production company, Room 329, will also produce a series of documentaries for the FOXTEL Owned and Operated Factual Channels Group.

Executive Director of Television and Marketing, Brian Walsh, said: “To say we’re thrilled to welcome Sarah to the FOXTEL family is an understatement. Her endorsement of Australia’s Next Top Model takes the series to a whole new level and confirms its status as the marquee entertainment program on subscription television.

“Not only does Sarah have the experience and gravitas as a top model, she is a proven television performer. Her natural warmth both and on and off screen is a perfect fit for our number one franchise.

“And in her role as co-executive producer, Sarah’s extensive experience in the modelling world will continue to push the series to new heights.

“Additionally, I’m confident that Sarah’s interest and passion for documentary filmmaking will deliver some impressive original content for our subscribers.

“We have discussed a range of subjects that Sarah will explore, and the programs will capture Australians from all walks of life telling their stories of compassion, courage and commitment. This will show another side to Sarah’s impressive credentials,” Walsh said.

Sarah said: “I am thrilled to be joining FOXTEL for these exciting new projects. FOXTEL has proven its dominance in television programming and I am very much looking forward to working with the entire team.

“With Australia’s Next Top Model I look forward to being involved on all levels and bringing the experience I have had in the industry to nurture and guide the next generation. Over the years I’ve seen good and bad and I hope to explore both in the series by hosting and co-executive producing the show with Granada.

“In addition, having the opportunity for my company, Room 329 Productions, to produce a series of documentaries on subjects close to my heart is a wonderful opportunity and I can’t wait.“

Sarah will commence her new role tomorrow (Monday, October 13) when she launches the Australia’s Next Top Model audition tour at Westfield Parramatta and on Tuesday (October 14), at Westfield Chatswood.

Granada Productions have produced the first four series of Australia’s Next Top Model for FOXTEL and this very successful partnership continues with series five which will premiere on FOX8 in 2009.

Further information on the audition tour is available at the FOX8 website – www.FOX8.tv/antm

Source: news.com.au

4 Responses

  3. I had been hoping they’d give the job to Charlotte. She did such a good job with the last final and I thought potentially could provide more guidance to the girls and hopefully avoid some of the out and out nastiness from last season. I’m still annoyed that cow Demelza won it! Anyway, Sarah Murdoch was alright on Today and if she is going to be more involved with the girls then the impact will be basically the same. I suspect that Sarah probably has a hell of a lot more modeling experience than Jodhi ever did. She was a glamour model who became a swimsuit designer at best.

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