Kelly will be the host ofFrankly,a new chat show set to screen on Friday nights later this year.
Franklywill be filmed in front of a live audience with a house rock band and feature “frank yet fun” conversations with international and home-grown actors,musicians,comedians,big thinkers and change-makers.
Kelly said of her return to broadcasting at the ABC:“I’m so excited about this new show. LeavingRN Breakfast was bittersweet… I love the sleep-ins but miss all those incredible conversations with fabulous guests from around Australia and the world.
“People have been asking ever since what’s next for me. Well,this is it,and I can’t wait. More great conversations,a live audience and my own band… what’s not to be excited about? It’s such a privilege and going to be so much fun.”
Kelly spent 17 years hostingRN Breakfast before signing off last December,,“I just need a minute to reinvent myself.”
Head of ABC Entertainment Nick Hayden said,“Fran brings such a warmth and depth of intelligence,we couldn’t be more excited to invite the audience in to hear her chat with the most interesting and electrifying people on the planet.”
Dipping a toe into evening TV represents a change of pace for Kelly,who spent nearly two decades waking up to a 3.30am alarm.
However,a return to prime time will also see the broadcaster back in the firing line,having previously spoken out about the impacts of social media.
“The things that are said are sometimes so unbelievably vile,”.
“Talk about your body,your sex,your sexuality,your private life. It’s disgraceful,and it takes a toll.”
Frankly is currently in production with plans to air on ABC and ABC iview later this year.
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