Dr Chris Brown leaves Ten for presenter role with Seven

In a first major TV power move of 2023, another of Ten’s most prolific presenters is leaving the network after being nabbed by a rival.

In a first major TV power move of 2023, Channel 7 has nabbed Dr Chris Brown from rival Ten’s roster of talent.

Seven has confirmed the former Bondi Vet has jumped ship and will announce details of new projects with the network later this year.

It is a huge blow for Ten, with whom Brown is one of the highest profile presenters on its network.

Brown, 44, started his television career with Seven some 20 years ago when he first appeared on Harry’s Practice and went on to helm shows including I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!, The Dog House Australia and The Living Room on 10.

Bondi Vet was of course his big breakthrough role from 2009 to 2016 and he has also been a regular on The Project panel show.

Seven West Media MD and CEO James Warburton with Dr Chris Brown. Picture: Supplied

“I’m not entirely sure my old access pass works but once we get over that hurdle and I’m back from the jungle, I can’t wait to sink my teeth into some exciting new projects in

the second half of the year and beyond with Seven,” Brown said.

The news comes days after all three commercial networks began a fierce ratings battle for the year by launching tentpole shows Married At First Sight, Australian Idol and Survivor Australia on Monday night.

With Ten, Brown hosted The Living Room alongside Amanda Keller, Barry Du Bois and Miguel Maestre.

MAFS proved the clear ratings winner with Idol on Seven and Survivor on Ten fighting for second and third place.

“We are very pleased to welcome Chris back to Seven. It’s been too long,” Seven West Media boss James Warburton said.

The Bondi Vet made his name on his self-titled show

and also hosted I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here with Julia Morris.

“Chris is one of the most popular and recognised people on Australian TV, bringing warmth, intelligence and a great sense of humour to everything he does. We can’t wait to have him on board and to announce the great new content he will star in.”

While one of our most recognisable faces on television, Brown has maintained his career as a vet and can be found doing shifts at Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital.

He is scheduled to begin shooting the next season of I’m A Celeb in South Africa from next month before starting officially at Seven on July 1.