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Channel 10 backs Studio 10 despite ratings shock after Kerri-Anne Kennerley axing

Channel 10 morning show Studio 10 underwent a dramatic purge in September which saw Kerri-Anne Kennerley get the boot and Irish dancer Tristan MacManus brought in as co-host. But has the gamble paid off?

Kerri-Anne Kennerley among stars axed by Ten Network

Six weeks after it’s highly promoted and controversial relaunch with Irish dancer Tristan MacManus as co-host, Studio 10 is still struggling to build an audience.

The Channel 10 morning show underwent a purge in September with Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Joe Hildebrand departing and MacManus, best known as a judge on Dancing With The Stars, joining the brilliant Sarah Harris as host.

Harris is unquestionably one of the best TV hosts in the country – she could host anything.

New era: The new Studio 10 hosting team is Sarah Harris and Tristan MacManus. Picture: Supplied
New era: The new Studio 10 hosting team is Sarah Harris and Tristan MacManus. Picture: Supplied

The show kicked off its new era with a fresh set on Monday, September 14 drawing 54,000 viewers based on five capital city audience ratings data.

Since then it has hit a high of 53,000 on October 9, a low of 26,000 on October 16 and on Friday had 41,000 viewers.

In the five week period from September 14 to October 16 it averaged 41,000 viewers on the five capital city ratings which was 20 per cent down on the same period in 2019. It was however up eight per cent in under 40s viewers.

Studio 10 before the changes: Natarsha Belling, Sarah Harris, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Denise Drysdale, Angela Bishop and Joe Hildebrand. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Studio 10 before the changes: Natarsha Belling, Sarah Harris, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Denise Drysdale, Angela Bishop and Joe Hildebrand. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Despite the low numbers Channel 10 remains confident in the show and the changes to the format. It will definitely be part of 10’s schedule in 2021.

“We’re encouraged by how the show is evolving,” Executive Producer, Tamara Simoneau said.

“While any change like this will take time to bed in, the tweaks to the tone of the programme are resonating.

“Tristan has done a fantastic job settling into the co-hosting role with Sarah Harris and we’re confident the momentum will continue to build over the coming months.”

Kerri-Anne Kennerley will star in the stage musical Pippin after departing Studio 10. Picture: Dylan Robinson
Kerri-Anne Kennerley will star in the stage musical Pippin after departing Studio 10. Picture: Dylan Robinson

MacManus, who was very much a deer in headlights on his first few shows, has certainly become more comfortable in his role in recent weeks after coming into the job with no prior hosting and interviewing experience. The audience does seem to be warming to him, he is very watchable and a good sport.

Kennerley

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fiona.byrne@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/fiona-byrne/channel-10-backs-studio-10-despite-ratings-shock-after-kerrianne-kennerley-axing/news-story/fa3cb780c4af4e85f11d447ace65038c