Nova’s Kate Ritchie joins Australia’s Got Talent judging lineup

Nova’s Drive co-host Kate Ritchie will soon be back on television screens, with Channel 7 revealing she will form one quarter of the revived Australia’s Got Talent judging lineup.

Ritchie will be joined by US performer and actor Neil Patrick-Harris as well as English musician and previous Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon.

The only judge returning from last year’s planned season is Aussie actor and entertainer Shane Jacobsen.

Ricki-Lee Coulter will also return as host.

Ritchie said it was an honour to be back on TV screens as part of this project.

“People have spent more time at home than usual this past year. Some developed brand new skills and others fine-tuned their already spectacular talents,” she said.

“I am not only flattered to be sharing the AGT panel with this season’s line-up but super excited to see the incredible talent Australia has to offer… from what I believe to be the best seat in the house.”

Image credit: Peter Brew-Bevan

Seven’s director of network programming, Angus Ross, said this iteration of AGT would be on a scale like never before.

“Alongside the judging panel’s world-class talent, AGT promises to deliver world-class acts, with all the spectacular, surprising and must-see moments Australian families absolutely love,” he said.

Fremantle Australia’s director of unscripted, Jonathon Summerhayes, added: “We’re delighted to welcome this megastar judging panel to AGT. This show is a juggernaut that uncovers acts who resonate around the world and we can’t wait to shine a spotlight on some incredible Australian and international talent.”

Before last year’s season, Kyle Sandilands was recruited as a guest judge, however the season’s plans were disrupted by COVID-19 pauses.