Sophie Monk - who found fame almost two decades ago on Popstars, one of Australia's first reality shows - has been revealed as Australia's new Bachelorette.
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The 37-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Sam Frost and Georgia Love to star in Channel Ten's hit dating show, The Bachelorette.
While the choice of Monk - an actor, model and former co-host of Sydney's 2Day FM breakfast show - was a surprise, Ten's decision to choose a high-profile personality was not.
Sources within the network predicted Ten would go for star power in its third season, after ratings dropped last year with relatively unknown TV journalist, Georgia Love.
"There was an unnaturally high interest in Sam Frost [in season one], because of everything that happened when [Bachelor star Blake Garvey ended the relationship]," the source said.
"It was no surprise that the second season didn't rate as highly, even though Georgia was fantastic. But the feeling within the network was that appointing a celebrity could only lift ratings."
Monk said her mother suggested she apply for the popular program, in which she will date a bevvy of eligible bachelors before picking her favourite.
"Mum, along with the rest of my family, know how much it means for me to find the right person to settle down with," Monk said.
"I moved back to Australia a couple of years ago, and I've embraced life back in the suburbs on the Gold Coast.
"I love having my family nearby, and spending time with my nieces and nephews - but I'm missing that one person to share it with."
In 1999, Monk competed in Seven's music reality show, Popstars. She won the series - along with five bandmates - who named themselves Bardot.
Their debut single Poison entered the Australian and New Zealand charts at No.1. The group also had hits with I Should've Never Let You Go, These Days, I Need Somebody, and Love Will Find a Way.
In 2003, Monk released a solo album, Calendar Girl, which debuted at No.35.
In 2015, she won the fourth season of The Celebrity Apprentice.
Her acting work includes a made-for-television movie, The Mystery of Natalie Wood, in which she played Marilyn Monroe.
She has also appeared in the films Click, Murder World and Spring Break '83.
In a statement, the Ten Network said: "The down to earth star has had a series of high-profile partners. Now enjoying a simpler life, surrounded by her family, Sophie is determined to meet an honest, kind and real Australian man with whom she can spend the rest of her life."
Ten's program chief, Beverley McGarvey, described The Bachelorette as "a love story and a fairytale".
"Australia has known Sophie [since 1999] and has followed the ups and downs of her love life. We are delighted she has agreed to join The Bachelorette and let the nation enjoy her search to find happily ever after."
Monk added: "I'm in the public eye, but away from that, I'm just a regular woman."
The Bachelorette will air later this year, after 2016 Bachelorette runner-up Matty J stars in the fifth season of The Bachelor.
Monk is a guest at Sunday's 59th Annual TV Week Logie Awards, and will appear on the red carpet.
The broadcast starts at 7pm on Channel Nine.
