He was tipped to slip into Johanna Griggs’ hosting shoes after her shock departure from House Rules earlier this year, however it appears a hot new talent may have crushed Jamie Durie’s hopes.
Woman’s Day can exclusively reveal the person set to replace Johanna is NSW comedian and father-of-one Saul Myers.
The 32-year-old was discovered by House Rules judge and magazine editor Wendy Moore after he enlisted her to help him renovate his house for Home Beautiful.
Sources tell us Wendy was so impressed with Saul, she asked him to audition.
Delighted with his comedic-timing and good looks, Seven’s bigwigs are hoping his fresh face will breathe new life into the struggling format – which has declined in ratings over its past few seasons.
READ NEXT: House Rules’ Joh Griggs and Jamie Durie’s bitter rivalry EXPOSED
Jamie Durie is not happy with the new host choice.
(Source: Getty Images)While the network is ecstatic with the new host, Jamie is said to be less than impressed.
“He was spewing when he found out he didn’t get the hosting gig,” a Seven source tells.
“He thought after Joh went he was a certainty. From his point of view, he was the best possible candidate, given his wealth of experience in lifestyle shows and his broad fan base.”
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Saul’s lack of TV experience coupled with his handsome good looks are set to be another blow to the gardening veteran, who’s been boosting his TV profile on shows like The Real Dirty Dancing. However, our source says money may have been the real clincher.
“Given his profile, Jamie probably wanted something closer to Joh’s salary – and that was unlikely to happen.
“It’s all about slashing costs at Seven, and this new bloke is getting paid less than a fraction of what Joh took home,” the source says, revealing Jamie will likely grin and bear it and stay on as a judge.
Rumoured new host Saul Myers with his son.
(Source: Instagram/saulymyers)“I can’t see Jamie quitting in a huff despite his disappointment, because he’s keen to stay involved. Seven threw him a lifeline when they offered him the judging role on the show this year.”
