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Costa to host Gardening Australia

The host of SBS series Costa's Garden Odyssey will now front ABC's Gardening Australia.

Greek gardening guru Costa Georgiadis has been named as the new host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, to replace presenter Stephen Ryan.

Best known as the host of SBS series Costa’s Garden Odyssey, his career began in landscape architecture before fronting his own TV series, last seen on air in January.

Jennifer Collins, Head of Factual for ABC TV, says: “Costa will bring an informed and entertaining spirit to the series. He’s got a reputation for having his finger on the pulse and I’m looking forward to seeing him communicate his exciting approach to gardening in his own inimitable style.”

Georgiadis added, “Gardening Australia is about gardening all of Australia – nurturing its plants and its people. I can’t wait to travel the country, share incredible gardening stories and create some new projects to get us all talking and blossoming.’’

Earlier this month Gardening Australia host Stephen Ryan said he had been sacked after being asked to sign a Press Release to say he was retiring.

”They’ve cut me completely loose and obviously don’t want me hanging around any more,” he said.

Yesterday an ABC spokesperson told TV Tonight, Ryan’s contract had not been renewed.

The series returns on Saturday March 24.

21 Responses

  1. We are sorry to learn that Stephen Ryan is no longer part of the Gardening Australia team. In our view he filled the hosting role very well, and did a good job from day one. This is a gardening show after all, so why would we expect to see any presenter leaping around and screaming as if in the throes of an orgasm after sniffing a sprig of rosemary or coming across an asparagus spear pushing its way through the soil? It would seem that solid horticultural knowledge and experience, along with a welcoming presence no longer suffices. Regarding the incoming host, time will tell I guess, but we we’ll miss Stephen’s appearances and wish him all the best.

  2. There’s a saying that goes like this:- ” If it’s not broken don’t fix it”
    It seems the ABC have never heard of it. Why ruin a perfectly good gardening programme in an attempt to “fix it ”
    Why try and compete with commercial channels?

  3. Great news to get Costa on the show that was getting boring as…loved him on SBS & his local community supports. Hey Costa can we have some regular run down gardens that we all have no time for & some tips to keep us & our gardens healthy…looking so forward to seeing you on our ABC, love sitting down at that time with a beer before preparing dinner…good luck & best wishes you will do very well..love & peace from a babyboomer 🙂 xx

  4. How do I contact Costa”s team to submit an idea for his consideration?
    Great choice for Gardening Australia. Costa gives enthusiasm to everyone he comes in conact with!!!!!

  5. I admired Stephen Ryan and meeting him was the highlight of 2011 for me. Have previously watched Costa on SBS and personally can not see Costa fitting into the Gardening Australia formula. I would have promoted Tino to Host. Tino is a natural, genuinely warm and inclusive guy, brimful of practical experience and no hint of arrogance. Dont overlook Tino next time!

  6. I would assume the audience for Gardening Australia skews to the older age groups. I wonder if he’ll have to change his image. Although, come to think of it, the original hippies would all be in their 60s now so maybe he’ll be a real blast from the past for them.

  7. Great news .. a bit of liveliness being added to the program. Stephen Ryan was as boring as bat’s poo, completely lacking in personality on air.

    I think Costa’s terrific.

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