Donna Demaio’s Gossip Sheet: Comings and goings on the small screen

Quote of the week: ‘Five star for me. Burgers and beers by the pool and those other poor bastards are going to be suffering,’ jokes (?) Jonathan La Paglia as he heads into the hosting gig for Australian Survivor.

The location has been revealed as Samoa for the Channel Ten show, with La Paglia still stunned he’s been chosen. ‘It scares me and I have a sick compulsion to do things that scare me. So I said yes.

After three seasons, Chyka Keebaugh has said goodbye to Real Housewives of Melbourne, deciding to focus on her ‘lifestyle’ brand instead. The stylish Keebaugh has been developing her design and fashion website chyka.com for a while, obviously enjoying the chance to share her knowledge and passion in those areas. Will she be replaced on the popular Foxtel show? Who could follow in the footsteps of the one once dubbed ‘Switzerland’ for her diplomacy.

Johnny Ruffo, Samantha Jade, John Howard, Jack Campbell, Sam Neill, Rachael Taylor are amongst the cast in Channel Nine’s epic drama House of Bond. And Ben Mingay (Packed to the Rafters) will star as Alan Bond in the series set to tell the rags to riches tale of Australia’s controversial tycoon.

Samantha Jade will star in Channel Nine?s new drama ‘House of Bond’

House Rules twins Luke and Cody Cook at the Channel 7 post logies brunch chatted away about their experience, revealing being part of the reality show ‘has been a lot harder’ than expected. ‘We’ve spent a lot of time googling how to do things,’ the smiling bros told me. Adorable.

Melbourne musos Models will join Dave Mason and Machinations at a super special gig in Sydney later this month. From the 27th, Vivid Sydney (Light, music and ideas) will host a vast array of performers, artists and speakers  ?  in addition to the extended spectacular program that features the popular ‘lighting up’ of the Sydney Opera House and many other colourful and free events.  It’s a big deal.

‘I’ve always wanted to freakin’ win one of these things’ said a beaming Grant Denyer, host of Family Feud, as he spoke of how much he loves ‘making television’ after  accepting the Logie award for best entertainment program.

Opera superstar Jose Carreras and television personality Ray Martin are two names unexpectedly drawn into the same sentence. The duo join a pack of other talented artists on the BRAVO! Cruise of the Performing Arts 2017. The others include Marina Prior, David Hobson, Silvie Paladino and Julie Goodwin (from Opera Australia not Masterchef). The cruise sets sail October next year from Sydney.  Lucky there’s a 1000 seat theatre on the ship.

‘I want an audience to, at the end of an hour, whether it’s Packed to the Rafters or 800 words, to actually feel a little bit better, rather than confused or that somehow they’ve had to give something up,’ says actor Erik Thompson about the two successful shows he’s starred in.  Filming is already underway in New Zealand on Season Two of the ratings winning show.

Charity of the week: Each year, this event brings tears to the eyes while raising funds for children suffering through disease and pain.  The Starlight Five Chefs Dinner is on at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 26. This year’s featured chefs include Frank Camorra, Guy Grossi and Scott Pickett. The MCEC’s own pastry chefs Alessandro Bartesaghi and Ian Burch will create the desserts. http://www.starlightfivechefs.org.au/melbourne/

THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY:  Win a double pass to action packed Bastille Day starring Idris Elba and Richard Madden (Game of Thrones). The tale of an American pickpocket living in Paris who finds himself hunted by the CIA when he steals a bag that contains more than just a wallet opens in cinemas this week.

For a chance to win a double pass please email [e-mail]