Gretel Killeen has secured a plum new presenting gig, after it was reported she would not be appearing on the Big Brother revival set to air on Channel Ten this year.

The veteran presenter, 63, confirmed she will be hosting the upcoming third series of Network Ten’s reality TV series The Traitors, after former host Roger Corser left the network last year.

Channel Ten shared the exciting announcement to social media on Sunday, alongside a photo of a radiant-looking Gretel. 

‘The Traitors is returning to 10 with Aussie legend Gretel Killeen as host!’ they began.

They then revealed when fans could expect to see the upcoming season.

‘Dust off your cloaks, trusty Traitors, and prepare to bury the hatchet… in your closest ally’s back. #TheTraitors Australia. Coming to @Channel10AU in 2026.’

Gretel Killeen (pictured) has secured a plum new presenting gig, after it was reported she would not be appearing on the Big Brother revival set to air on Channel Ten this year`

Gretel shared her excitement about the role in a statement: ‘As a writer and performer, I love a new experience. Hosting The Traitors gives me permission to explore an alternate version of myself, full of challenging mischief.’

Meanwhile, Tamara Simoneau, Vice President, Content, Paramount Australia, expressed how delighted they were to be working with Gretel.

‘There is no one better to bring it to life than the OG of groundbreaking, buzz-worthy reality shows, Gretel Killeen,’ they said.

‘We are assembling a brilliant cast of the most cunning and clever Aussies, but Gretel is poised to take them on a ride that’ll test them like never before. Audiences are going to be on the edge of their seats.’

The gig is something of a homecoming for Gretel, who originally hosted Big Brother on Ten from 2001 to 2007, before being replaced by Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson.

The Traitors originally aired on Ten from 2022 to 2023 and was hosted by Aussie actor Roger Corser, who moved to Channel Nine last year. 

In September 2024, Network Ten dropped a bombshell announcement – Big Brother would be returning to the network in 2025 after spending four years on Channel Seven.

However, fans may be surprised to learn that familiar faces Sonia Kruger and Gretel Killeen, who previously hosted the show, were never in the running for the hosting gig.

The veteran presenter, 63, confirmed she will be hosting the upcoming third series of Network Ten’s reality TV series The Traitors , after former host Roger Corser left the network last year

The gig is something of a homecoming for Gretel, who originally hosted Big Brother on Ten from 2001 to 2007

An industry insider revealed to Yahoo Lifestyle that neither Sonia nor Gretel were ever considered for the 2025 reboot.

While both women are synonymous with past seasons of Big Brother – Sonia having hosted its latest run on Channel Seven and Gretel being the original face of the show in the early 2000s – Channel 10 opted for something different this time around.

‘Network 10 wanted someone fresh that felt similar to the network hiring Gretel back in 2001,’ the insider explained.

‘Mel Tracina is hoping to bring something unique to the format but her sense of humour, support of women, and not being afraid to take men to task will echo a lot of what Gretel Killeen did with the format.’

Fans of the iconic reality series remember Killeen for her sharp wit and fearless hosting style, which became a defining feature of Big Brother in the early years.