Ita’s shock return to TV
The veteran star has nabbed an exciting new TV job
Three months on from her shock departure from Studio 10, Ita Buttrose is having the last laugh. The media maven has landed a high-profile new television gig, putting the personality clashes with former co-stars – including Denise Drysdale, who launched a brussels sprout at Ita’s head during a cooking segment after several glasses of champagne – well and truly behind her.
Ita’s now starring alongside David Campbell on Nine’s significantly higher-rating morning show Today Extra – and she couldn’t be happier.
“Sonia Kruger is in Canada on assignment and Ita was more than happy to step into her shoes,” reveals an industry insider. “At the moment, it’s not a permanent gig, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t use her as a regular fill-in if this goes well, or keep her on for regular segments.”
When Ita was on Studio 10 she had her very popular “Ask Ita” segment and was also doing interviews with overseas and local movers and shakers.
“I think she’s probably thrilled to be returning to TV, because she does love it and she does it well,” adds our insider.
“It’s pretty great that at 76 – and in a largely ageist industry – she’s managed to nab another gig so quickly.”
Our source says there’s still no love lost between Ita and her former morning show colleagues, however, especially Denise and Jessica Rowe.
“I don’t think any of them could care less where Ita is, to be honest. They’re just glad she’s not on Studio 10. She really isn’t missed,” our source says.
DIFFERENT DYNAMIC
In fact, since Ita’s departure, the vibe on Studio 10 has been much more harmonious.
“Before, there were conflicting personalities, tension and bad moods,” says our source. “Then you had ‘brussels sprout-gate’, Jessica Rowe’s departure – which changed the whole dynamic of the panel – and then Ita went a month later. There was a lot of uncertainty but now, with Sarah Harris steering the ship, the mood is upbeat and fun.”
Even though things are now back on track, our insider says there’s “no chance” Jessica will return to Studio 10.
“She’s very happy not being there. The conflicts took a lot out of her,” our source reveals. “Jess often had a counter point of view to everybody else on the show, and when you’re the one who says something different to what everybody else is thinking, every day for five years, it becomes wearing.”
NO HAPPY REUNION
Jess is also thrilled to be able to spend more time at home with her two young daughters, Allegra, 11, and Giselle, nine – as well as working on her podcast with good friend Denise.
“She is, to be frank, very happy with her life away from the cameras,” says our source.
As for burying the hatchet with Ita now she’s moved on, it’s unlikely Denise or Jess ever will.
“Ita and Denise especially really were like chalk and cheese,” explains our insider. “I think they’re all happier staying out of each other’s way. If they never saw each other again, they wouldn’t be heartbroken.”
‘It’s pretty great she’s managed to nab another gig so quickly’