Kyle Sandilands responds to rumour that Australian Idol is making a comeback

THERE are whispers that Channel 10 is considering bringing back Australian Idol next year with Kyle Sandilands being the man they’re most keen to sign.

AUSTRALIAN Idol hasn’t been on TV since 2009 but there’s a rumour it might be making a comeback.

The rumour was made public yesterday by Triple M Grill Team’s entertainment reporter, Supergrass.

“I’ve got it on good authority that Channel 10 are giving serious consideration to a return of Australian Idol in 2018,” he said on air.

“The big name that they’re keen to re-sign as a judge is Kyle Sandilands, although Kyle is reluctant because as Channel 10 sacked him last time.”

This morning Sandilands was blindsided on his KIDS FM breakfast show when a caller asked him about a potential Idol return.

“I’ve never heard of it,” Sandilands said about the rumour, before saying he wouldn’t be that keen to return to the TV show.

Marcia Hines with Kyle Sandilands during auditions for Australian Idol.

“I couldn’t be bothered in all honesty, it was so boring doing it,” he said.

Sandilands joined the judging panel on Australian Idol back in 2005 after Ian “Dickio” Dickson defected from Channel 10 to Channel Seven.

The radio host judged alongside Mark Holden and Marcia Hines for three seasons but he was fired by the TV network just three episodes into season seven in 2009.

His sacking was a result of the infamous lie detector stunt on his 2 Day FM radio show that went spectacularly wrong when a 14-year-old girl claimed live on air that she had been raped when she was 12.

Channel 10 released a statement at the time saying, “It has become increasingly clear that as Idol has remained a family-focused show, his radio persona has taken on a more controversial position”.

Dicko rejoined Australian Idol in 2007.

“The recent controversy surrounding Kyle’s radio program has highlighted more than ever the conflicting attitude of the two careers.”

Sandilands, whose Idol contract was rumoured to be worth $1 million, was replaced on the judging panel by Sony Music talent scout Jay Dee Springbett.

The KIIS FM host discussed his sacking on radio this morning, saying, “they did fire me back then and the ratings tanked and the whole show disappeared”.