Australian version of The X Factor

[tammyy2j]

Luke Jacobz has signed up to host the Australian version of The X Factor.

TV Tonight reports that Jacobz will replace original presenter Matthew Newton, who pulled out of the show after deciding to return to rehab.

Jacobz has now revealed that he landed the job after getting a telephone call from executives at Channel Seven late last night.

He said: "I wish [Newton] all the best and hope I am going to do as good a job as he was going to do."

Newton was filming the Judges' Houses stage in Dublin when he decided to leave the show. It is unclear whether footage of him at the auditions and Boot Camp will appear in the programme.

Jacobz previously hosted the talent show Popstars in 2004 and has had roles in Home and Away and McLeod's Daughters.

The X Factor premieres Monday on Seven.

[tammyy2j]

Ronan Keating says that he "admires" Kyle Sandilands.

The former Boyzone lead singer, who is a judge on the Australian version of The X Factor alongside Sandilands, Natalie Imbruglia and Guy Sebastian, said that he is always full of "energy" on set.

Keating told New Idea magazine: "We all work differently but the hours that go with this are very, very long. We are all very different. I really admire Kyle.

"You watch some guys you work with and the moment the light goes on they suddenly come to life. Not Kyle - he has the same energy all the time. The light is always on."

Imbruglia said of Sandilands: "Kyle has this uncanny ability to get away with the nastiest things! Line after line, week after week - but he does it with such charm."

She described Sebastian as a "tough" judge but said that he can also be a "kitten".

[Perdita]

The Australian version of The X Factor has been commissioned for a second season, according to reports.

The reality television series, which is judged by Kyle Sandilands, Guy Sebastian, Ronan Keating and Natalie Imbruglia, is believed to have become a hit with viewers during its first two weeks on air.

Although Channel Seven has not confirmed the move, a spokesperson told The Daily Telegraph: "Nothing is confirmed but feel free to speculate."

The show has been surrounded by controversy following Sandilands and Keating's recent marriage splits, and former host Matthew Newton's alleged beating of girlfriend Rachael Taylor.