Tracy Grimshaw to return to TV with secret new project

The Aussie broadcast legend has signed on to star in a new TV project, after stepping down from A Current Affair last year.

Tracy Grimshaw will return to TV screens next year for a secret “new project”.

The return of the veteran Australian broadcaster, who stepped down as A Current Affair host in November, was among the announcements at Channel 9’s ‘Upfronts’ on Wednesday afternoon, with the network unveiling its programming highlights for the rest of the year and into 2024.

Details about Grimshaw’s role were vague, with a network spokesperson saying: “In a new project with details to come, Tracy Grimshaw returns to Channel 9 in 2024.”

Nine declined to comment further on what Grimshaw’s role might be when asked by news.com.au.

Frame grab from A Current Affair. Tracy Grimshaw interviews Prime Minister Scott Morrison

Grimshaw, 63, previously said she planned to take the entirety of 2023 off after leaving ACA, but teased she’d be up for returning to work in 2024.

The journalist recently ruled out a return to the current affairs program she helmed for 17 years, which is now hosted by Allison Langdon, following tabloid reports she was hosting secret meetings with Nine executives about a comeback.

“I’m not coming back to ACA, I haven’t been into the office this year, no sneaky meetings, and I’ve always said I may do something else next year, that hasn’t changed,” she tweeted in June.

Grimshaw’s new role with the network is under wraps for now.

Elsewhere, Nine officially confirmed an Australian version of game show Tipping Point would be hitting screens next year, replacing Millionaire Hot Seat in the 5pm timeslot after the latter was officially axed in early August.

Former Australian tennis player Todd Woodbridge will host the show, based off the popular UK format which currently airs at 3pm.

There were some fresh reality TV offerings in Nine’s line-up for the new year, with a gardening show, The Garden Hustle, set to be hosted be Lisa McCune and Dave Franklin.

It sees everyday homeowners on a quest to transform their backyards into a landscaper’s dream.

Todd Woodbridge is host of Tipping Point Australia.

Listing Melbourne will tap into the uber-popular reality real estate genre, and follows six property agents working in the city’s exclusive housing market, all while juggling their dramatic personal lives.

Meanwhile, Budget Battlers promises to help struggling Australians flip their homes with minimal cash amid the cost of living crisis, with the help of former The Block contestants Jess Eva and Norm Hogan.

In terms of scripted TV, Nine will air a new crime thriller called Blood On The Tracks – the Platform Killer, which follows a detective’s investigation of a commuter found dead on a train track. Casting is yet to be announced.

As for ongoing shows, despite recent rumours Scott Cam would be finishing up as host of The Block after the current season, Nine proudly announced he’ll be back for his 18th season next year.

The Block will return in 2024. Picture: Nine

As will MAFS, unsurprisingly. Picture: Supplied/Channel 9

Fellow ongoing favourites Married At First Sight, Lego Masters Australia and Travel Guides are also set to air again next year.

The Summit has been granted a second season despite average ratings when it debuted in May, with The Hundred with Andy Lee, Paramedics, Parental Guidance and Getaway all also returning.

Nine also teased its upcoming coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, after securing the rights in February for a reported $305 million.

Longtime Olympics broadcaster Seven had pulled out of negotiations last year, having hosted most of the games since the 1970s, with the exception of 2010 and 2014.

Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo will form part of the coverage team, as well as Langdon, Dylan Alcott, Brooke Boney, Leila McKinnon, Eddie McGuire, Alex Cullen, James Bracey and the aforementioned Todd Woodbridge.