Matt Newton out as X Factor host
Matt Newton has returned to rehab and withdrawn from his hosting role on The X Factor just one week before its premiere.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
Performer Matt Newton has withdrawn from his hosting role on Seven’s upcoming talent series The X Factor, following a return to rehab, claim reports.
A Fremantle Media source tells News.com.au, “on arrival in Dublin it was decided that Matthew needed to return to Australia to the care of his family”.
It reports Newton was escorted home from Dublin with a producer.
A Seven spokesperson added, “Matthew had a strong commitment to the program and has tried his utmost to make it work. He has the support of his family and friends as he works his way back to full health.”
The news emerges just one week before the series makes its on-air debut, due on Monday August 30th.
Filming of Audition Stages and Bootcamp have already been completed with Newton as host. Other segments of Judge’s Houses episodes was underway ahead of live performance episodes yet to come.
The show is Seven’s biggest new brand this year, with a pricetag said to be around $22m. Creator Simon Cowell is relying on the show making an impact this year following its lacklustre season on TEN in 2005.
Seven promos with Newton have been bombarding various media and TV in the build up to the show’s premiere. He remains on the official website as host.
Updated: Newton’s profile has since been removed from all except videos.
Newton’s return to rehab follows a stint in a Melbourne private hospital earlier this year, and previous personal incidents which have attracted media headlines.
Source: news.com.au
Share
- Tagged with The X Factor
53 Responses
Ben Cousins who is tipped as a contender to host The Amazing Race Australia, or Andrew O’Keefe, or Grant Denyer??
i say bring on ruby rose. it needs another woman.
i always knew it was a good decision to bank on newton jr
Simple.. just get Daniel MacPherson back. Dancing with the stars is over, and he hosted the previous series.
@philm, when the show was first announced james kerley was the first name i said. i still think he would be great.
I really think they should just give the role to Darren McMullan. He suits it perfectly. Really don’t want to see Daniel MacPherson do it again, but bet 7 gives it to him 🙁
who was in the running for the job in the first place?
bring back Ian Turpie.
Was always a risk with Seven taking on Newton. Tough time for his family no doubt.
@Matry: Dan has Beat the Star coming up soon and potentially Amazing Race as well next year. I think they will leave this for a “newbie”. Maybe even James Kerly?
Ahhhh unexpected, but even so he was a terrible choice as a host. I guess they will have to bring in Dan MacPherson or Darren McMullan. Darren would be better suited based on his time on MTV.
As long as it won’t be hosted by David Koch or Andrew O’Cr@p.
Or Brian McFadden.
if its true it would be a shame. when i went i though he was doing a great job and all reports said he had a very good screentest and presence.
the timing screams of a publicity stunt and the sources and wording is not airtight. but it would be very brave if this is untrue and it is pulled off. all this secrecy of matt’s illness and rehab seems to be leading up to a big tell all interview.
Matt Newton should *not* be on live TV…
Daniel MacPherson.
He’s just finished DWTS… he did it on Ten in 2005 and could slide in because he already knows the format.
It does seem odd that this story should only appear online in Adelaide?
OMG I can’t believe this.. what the hell are 7 gonna do now??
Sucked in Channel Seven… I so wish they chose someone else in the first place! And now look what they have to deal with 🙁
I smell a failure
Mmmm I spell a publicity stunt – X Factor in the UK is notorious for them.
The show only started last night in the UK, already the papers are filled with – It’s Dannii’s last year, Simon tells the girls to toughen up, No judge job is safe, Producers refuse to fly Kylie to Australia to help Dannii in judges houses – the list goes on & on.
Let the publicity machine begin – you have been warned Australia 🙂
Sounds like a job for Daniel MacPherson… again.
Who will replace him then?
Get gretel to host
She works the live crowds
If this is true Simon Cowell would be fuming. Seven took a big risk with him and from all reports he was doing an amazing job as host.
I suspect Minute to WIn it Darren Macmillan to take over now.
How much would it cost for Cowell himself to come to Australia and host? Often, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
Comments are closed.