Gretel evicted from Big Brother

Outspoken host Gretel Killeen has been ousted from TEN's Big Brother as part of a complete re-vamp of the show for 2008.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the show will return in a new format next year, with the removal of the host spearheading its new look.

The rumour on other changes includes a new set, new rules and a possible new location. Staff at Southern Star Endemol were reportedly told to "be creative" in their wish list of fresh ideas.

Killeen has hosted the show since its inception in 2000. But she has divided viewers, with many who find her dominating and showing favouritism, while just as many admire her ability to think on her feet amid trying situations -not the least of which was the now-infamous "Free The Refugees" moment from Housemate Merlin in 2004.

Former housemate Tim Brunero told NineMSN Gretel's departure would be a huge loss. "She was a professional operating with a live audience on a very high-rating show, with someone in her ear giving her instructions at all times. She managed to steer house mates through some very difficult and emotional situations. She was firm with the boys and a mother to the girls," he said.

Kris Noble, the second "Big Brother" after Peter Abbott, is also understood to have moved on from SSE.

Early names being suggested for BB 2008 include Up Late host Mike Goldman and singer-actress Natalie Bassingthwaighte -a highly unlikely choice given she will already front TEN's So You Think You Can Dance.

Sources: Daily Telegraph
NineMSN
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Camp Cup Celebs heading our way

Quick, somebody warn John Laws.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is about to get a whole lot camper.

Carson Kressley, from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, is making a return to the Melbourne event. He will appear on Seven's broadcasts, presumably casting his eye over the fashion stakes.

But this year Richard Reid, the gossip guy from the Today Show is also heading down under. He will feature as part of the Nine contingent, along with Megan Gale (even though she was none too pleased with A Current Affair recently).

Between them, these two guys are sure to add a lot more effervesence to our screens.

In 2004 when Kressley attended, radio host John Laws attacked his inclusion, saying, "Who is this pompous little pansy prig who's strutting around everywhere yesterday, telling Australian blokes how to wear their pocket square?" He also called Kressley a "pillow-biter", leading to an anti-discrimination case.

Now all we need is Sunrise's Nelson Aspen to front for a complete camp trifecta.
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Spoiler: 'Libby's' return to Neighbours

As most Neighbours devotees will know, Kym Valentine is returning to the soap.

After leaving the show in 2004, Valentine's return follows a revamp of the long-running series by TEN mid-year.

"Libby" returns to screens in Australia on Monday November 12.

And TV Tonight is first to tell you what you can expect to see.

The following contains Major Plot Spoilers. Don't go, if you don't wanna know.

SPOILER ALERT!

When Libby returns to Erinsborough it's at the conclusion of a courtcase involving her mother, Susan (played may I add by the highly under-rated Jackie Woodburne). Libby returns to the street with her son, Ben, presumably now played by an older actor than the baby we last saw.

The first scene for Libby depicts her driving down Ramsay Street as Karl and Susan stand in front of their house, chatting with another neighbour. Her arrival is a surprise to them. I was hoping for symbolic entrance of Libby walking down the middle of the street suitcase in tow, swirling music, but no such luck!

The embrace between Libby and Susan is heartwarming stuff (and you can sense a little sentiment as one of the show's orphans returns to the fold from a maternal, guiding light). Karl distracts himself with Ben.

The bulk of Libby's arrival story over two episodes is a cheerful demeanour disguising an obvious falling-out with husband Darren, still based in regional Shepparton. There are lots of questions about "when's Darren coming?" that Libby dismisses. This is soap, after all. The fact that Shepparton is only a two hour drive from Melbourne and we've never seen Libby since her exit (anniversary DVDs excluded) is of course, overlooked. This is television, after all.

In her first two eps Libby also has a reunion with Toadie, and particularly with Steph, her bosom buddy. These two gals get along like a house on fire and the show will benefit from an obvious on-screen rapport -as with her mother, Susan.

Kym Valentine slips back into Libby with ease. Ten minutes in and it's like she never left. Maybe she shouldn't have. This is regular work, after all.

Neighbours episode 5341 airs 6:30pm Monday November 12

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TEN HD trailer

Check out TEN's new HD trailer, it sure looks tasty.

As idents.tv indicates, it's a light-hearted introduction to High Def for the uninitiated -although the American scientist approach is certainly an unusual choice. It's also odd that they promise surround sound audio -don't I need surround sound speakers for that first? Just adding a set top box won't give me that. Nevertheless, it's a contemporary, crisp look, shows a sense of humour and suggests TEN's launch will hopefully be worth the wait.

Source: idents.tv
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"Treasurers" debate the Worm

UPDATED. Peter Costello and Wayne Swan's "Treasurer's Debate" on Tuesday will be monitored by the Worm on the Nine Network.

This time round only 50 people will represent its opinions.

But in what will probably be a more fiery session than that of their bosses', this debate won't be aired in prime time.

The exchange will screen at 12:30pm AEST on the ABC and Nine.

Nine's broadcast will again be hosted commercial-free by Ray Martin. Nine won't give the results of the Worm until A Current Affair later that night, and it will have a phone poll running too.

With Daylight Saving taking effect be sure to check local guides.

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