So, in 2011 Ten had two reasonably successful shows: The Circle (if only because it managed to chip away at Kerri-Anne's audience enough to spook the execs into trading her in for a younger model) and Can of Worms (only because it was able to weather the initial barrage of criticism for a haphazard format and uncertain tone to complete its run of episodes and therefore warrant another run in 2012).
There's also Ten's new breakfast show... called Breakfast, which, months after being announced, is still missing a female co-host.
So, it's no wonder that many of Australia's media C-list (I mean that respectfully, of course), would be clamouring to grab one of the plum gigs made available by Chrissie Swan (and Denise Drysdale's) departure from the Circle, and Dicko's bizarre exit from Can of Worms.
But, the problem is, even gossip columnists are having trouble coming up with possible candidates for the roles.
One name being thrown around for the Circle job is Celebrity Apprentice winner Julia Morris. Yet she is apparently so inundated with offers that The Circle could even be at the bottom of the pile.
And the Herald Sun has even thrown Livinia Nixon's name into the mix, yet any suggestion of a defection from Nine to Ten seems bizarre, especially given her long relationship with the former.
And apparently talks have broken down between Jane Kennedy, which I feel isn't exactly a terrible outcome- not to say that she isn't a good TV personality, but I just feel that she doesn't possess the same off-the-wall, crazy personality as say, Yumi or Chrissie.
My initial thoughts were that Kate Langbroek would be a great choice for the show, yet her breakfast show on Nova 100 in Melbourne would almost definitely prevent her from making a permanent shift to TV.
There are also the other regulars on The Circle who I believe would be able replacements, such as occasional reporter Aleisha McCormack (although Ten is most likely looking for a bigger name) or even George McEncroe, who have both proven to be both funny and witty throughout the year.
Another Circle semi-regular, Em Rusciano would be a risky, yet inspired choice.
And since we're going left-field, why not head way, way left-field: how about Natalie Tran of Community Channel fame- if you don't know what I'm talking about... (try this).
Comedians Sean Lynch and Andrew McLelland have both been valuable additions to the Circle team, but are probably better suited to their weekly segments. And, then there's that whole thing of them being, well, male.
So there's not really a shortage of potential co-hosts out there- as long as the some semblance of a personality, they should eventually grow into the role.
But it's a different kettle of fish when it comes to hosting jobs- take Can of Worms. There, Ten need to find someone who is simultaneously quick-witted, straight-talking and also naturally funny (where Dicko was probably let down). He also wasn't a natural host or being thrust in the limelight.
So, who should fill his shoes? My initial thoughts were Dave Thornton, comedian, and also experienced TV host (which are hard to find these days), having hosted a tonight show on Melbourne Community TV. He is also very funny. The only test would be whether he can take a back-seat for the majority of the show (after all, Can of Worms is about the format primarily, the host should ideally facilitate it).
Gretel Killeen, I'm sure would also do well in the role, and many would have forgotten how well she hosted Big Brother back in the day, before the Logies debacle, her axing, etc.
And though it's unlikely to happen, wouldn't it be good to see an up-and-comer given a shot, someone like Dan Ilic, who previously was under-utilised on Can of Worms.
But really, there's only one choice that really makes sense to me- what about Meshel Laurie? A proven TV performer who was thrust into the shadows in the first season of Can of Worms, and deserves a shot at the top gig.
And then there's Ten's Breakfast show, which Kim Watkins has apparently already turned down. Sandra Sully seemed the obvious choice to me at first, but her name hasn't been mentioned, as far as I'm aware. Natarsha Belling and Helen Kapalos are also popular newsreaders, but seem to be more suited to the more serious environs of the newsroom.
Gorgi Coghlan, of the Circle, would be a good choice, but another Circle exit would mean yet another headache.
So, what are your suggestions for these three roles (The Circle, Can of Worms and Breakfast)?