Does Kate Ritchie’s glam TV makeover mean she’s stepping away from radio?

Australia's golden girl Kate Ritchie is making her long-awaited return to television as a judge on Seven's revamped version ofAustralia's Got Talent, and a source close to the former actress says she's hoping this will be the comeback that catapults her back to bona fide TV star status!

"Kate believes this is her chance," the close friend tells188金宝慱亚洲体育真人游戏官网of the formerHome And Awaystar.

"She's been looking around for some time and this one is a safe option for her to dip her toes back into TV. She doesn't have the pressure of hosting, but can bathe in the limelight with all the promotion that comes along with being on a prime-time TV show.

"And sitting alongside a big Hollywood star likeNeil Patrick Harris– the opportunities are endless!"

The insider adds that 42-year-old Kate has been quietly envious ofKIIS FMradio superstarJackie O's successful transition from radio star to TV judge onThe Masked Singerand is looking to her for inspiration – with the hope of replicating her success.

Our source reveals Kate is set to pocket $500,000 for her role onAGT, and while that may be peanuts compared to her rumoured $1.2 million salary for herNovaradio show,Kate, Tim & Joel, her heart has always been in TV.

"She belongs back on the box where she can reach a bigger audience," says the source.

"She's won two GoldLogies– she shines in front of the camera, even more so than behind a microphone in a radio studio."

Back in 2019 on her radio show, Kate hinted at a return to TV, saying, "I'd be lying if I said I'm not looking forward to the day I'm back on TV", which led many to speculate whether she was preparing to step away from the airwaves for good.

To match her new judging role, Kate has been quietly working on her new glam look, shedding the bulky jumpers and sweat pants she wears at Nova for a more stylish wardrobe. After posting a striking image on Instagram to announce her role onAustralia's Got Talent, fans were quick to praise her "absolutely gorgeous" new look and voice their excitement over her return to their screens.

"Back to Channel 7 – where you belong!" one fan wrote.

Kate will join co-judges Neil,Shane Jacobsonand longtimeBritain's Got Talentjudge Alesha Dixon on the show, which is set to start filming later this month.