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Robert Irwin has landed what he describes as his dream television job, with the wildlife warrior set to spearhead Channel Ten's revival of Australian Ninja Warrior.
The 22-year-old celebrity conservationist will co-host the high-octane obstacle course competition alongside Beau Ryan and Georgie Tunny when the revamped series premieres in 2027, five years after Channel Nine axed the series in 2022.
For Robert, the role is more than just another TV hosting gig – it's the fulfilment of a childhood dream.
'I've been a fan since I was a kid,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'I always dreamt I could do the course myself, but hosting it, this is my foot in the door. This is my audition to be able to run the course.'
The new role marks another major career move for the television star, who has become one of Australia's most in-demand presenters following his stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, which was 'rested' by Channel Ten earlier this year.
Robert said he is selective about the projects he takes on, insisting he only signs up to shows that reflect his values.
Robert Irwin has landed what he describes as his dream television job, with the wildlife warrior set to spearhead Ten's revival of Australian Ninja Warrior. The celebrity conservationist will co-host the high-octane obstacle course competition alongside Beau Ryan and Georgie Tunny
'You could ask me to do absolutely anything in the world. I'm not going to do it unless it's a show that I'm a fan of and genuinely enjoy, or it's something that really aligns with a sense of fun, passion and optimism,' he said.
'And there aren't a lot of shows that are reality TV shows... competition shows, that are positive and fun and celebrate something that kids in a living room can look at and look up to.'
The presenter also took aim at the current reality TV landscape, saying many programs fail to provide positive role models for younger viewers.
'Most of the reality shows happening right now, you know, I don't know if I'd want my little niece Grace looking at and going, "ah, this is someone who I want to be".'
He believes Ninja Warrior stands apart by celebrating determination, resilience and everyday Australians pushing themselves to their limits.
'But when you watch something like Ninja Warrior, or when I was part of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, these sort of shows where we're watching kind of heroes rise, we're watching people that are passionate, that are giving it a go,' he said.
'That are having fun, that are just sort of getting stuck in and trying this. I kind of go, "this is fun".'
The new role marks another major career move for the television star, who has become one of Australia's most in-demand presenters following his stint on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, which was 'rested' by Channel Ten earlier this year. (Pictured with Julia Morris)
The reboot also marks a new home for the franchise after Australian Ninja Warrior originally aired on Channel Nine between 2017 and 2022
The competition sees everyday Australians and elite athletes tackle a gruelling series of obstacle courses in a bid to conquer the famous Mount Midoriyama, with the refreshed format set to debut on Channel 10 in 2027.
The series was previously co-hosted by Australian presenter Leila McKinnon and radio stars Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw.
It follows reports that Channel Seven will be rebooting I'm A Celebrity in 2027 with an all-new cast, after Ten rested the Robert Irwin and Julia Morris-hosted series in May.
On Wednesday, it was reported that Channel Seven has resurrected the series and will be screening a rebooted version in 2027.
The upcoming series promises to bring audiences its trademark humour, adventure and suspenseful challenges, with a brand new line-up of famous stars competing in a jungle.
English (US) ·