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Julia Morris is preparing for a major career reinvention, with the Australian entertainer returning to scripted television in a move that could see her step away from her trademark comedy persona.
The Daily Mail understands the 58-year-old has secured an acting role in a new Stan drama, with long-time friend and television executive Michael Healy playing a key part in her return to the genre.
And she won't be the only familiar face making an unexpected career move, with Love Island Australia host Sophie Monk also joining the production.
The upcoming project, Stuck Up & Stupid, is an eight-part romantic drama inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and based on the book by Kate and Angourie Rice.
Julia and Sophie will appear alongside an ensemble cast.
The all-star cast is also set to feature Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Hannah Gadsby, Rob Mills, Erika Heynatz, Brooke Satchwell and Christian Wilkins.
Julia Morris is preparing for a major career reinvention, with the beloved Australian entertainer returning to scripted television in a move that could see her leave her trademark comedy persona behind
The Daily Mail understands the 58-year-old has secured an acting role in a new Stan Australian drama, with long-time friend and TV executive Michael Healy playing a key part in her return to the genre. (Pictured with her I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! co-host Robert Irwin)
For Julia, the opportunity marks a return to the type of performing that helped establish her as one of Australia's most versatile entertainers.
Sources close to the star say the move could signal the beginning of a new chapter, with figures in her inner circle encouraging her to remind audiences of her acting credentials beyond the larger-than-life television persona she has become known for.
While Julia's comedy has long been her calling card, friends believe the time is right for her to explore a different side of her career.
One source said there was a feeling among some in Julia's circle that the trademark comedy audiences have seen from her on reality television over the past decade had become a little too familiar.
Those close to Julia believe a return to acting could give audiences an opportunity to see the former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia co-host in a different light.
It's a career pivot that could take her back to the success she enjoyed on Channel Nine's House Husbands, in which she starred as Gemma Crabb opposite Gary Sweet.
The popular family drama ran for five seasons between 2012 and 2017 and remains available to stream on Stan.
And there is an intriguing connection between that role and Julia's latest opportunity.
Michael Healy played a role in Julia landing her part on House Husbands, with the show's creators previously revealing that he suggested the comedian after discussing potential projects with her.
It's a career pivot that could take her back to the success she enjoyed on Channel Nine's House Husbands, in which she starred as Gemma Crabb opposite Gary Sweet
Now, more than a decade later, the long-time friends are understood to have reunited professionally as Julia makes her return to scripted television.
The timing is particularly significant following uncertainty surrounding Julia's future in TV, following Ten's axing of I'm A Celebrity in May.
With the reality series moving to Channel Seven next year, Daily Mail understands Julia has been exploring opportunities to return to acting rather than immediately pursuing another major hosting role.
Julia was the longest-serving presenter on the energetic reality show, co-hosting it with Dr Chris Brown from its first season in 2015 until 2023, and with Robert Irwin from 2024 - 2026.
Channel Ten announced in May that it would pull I'm A Celebrity from its 2027 line-up.
For Julia, the opportunity marks a welcome return to the type of performing that helped establish her as one of Australia's most versatile entertainers
'We have made the decision to rest I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2027 as we focus on offering our audience a range of content on all platforms,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
While Julia remains synonymous with comedy, those close to her believe a stint away from her familiar television persona could be beneficial.
After years of keeping audiences entertained with her outrageous humour, the veteran performer now has an opportunity to remind viewers of the acting talent she showcased on House Husbands.
And with a trusted industry ally helping her make the transition, it could mark the beginning of a very different chapter for the Australian television favourite.
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