Julia Morris Pivots to Scripted Drama After 'I'm A Celebrity' Axe
Australian entertainer Julia Morris is set for a career reinvention with a new acting role in a Stan drama, a move that could see her depart from her established comedic persona.
Julia Morris, the 58-year-old Australian entertainer, is embarking on a significant career reinvention with a new acting role in an upcoming Stan drama titled "Stuck Up & Stupid." This move signals a potential departure from her well-known comedy persona and marks a return to scripted television.
Morris will star alongside Sophie Monk, host of Love Island Australia, in the eight-part romantic drama. The series is inspired by Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and is based on a book by Kate and Angourie Rice. The ensemble cast also includes Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Hannah Gadsby, Rob Mills, Erika Heynatz, Brooke Satchwell, and Christian Wilkins.
The opportunity represents a return to the kind of performing that helped establish Morris as a versatile entertainer. Sources close to the star suggest this could be a new chapter, with those in her inner circle encouraging her to showcase her acting talents beyond the larger-than-life television persona she has cultivated over the past decade.
Friends believe the timing is right for Morris to explore a different facet of her career, with some feeling that her trademark comedy on reality television had become overly familiar. A return to acting could allow audiences to see the former "I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Australia" co-host in a new light.
This pivot echoes her past success on Channel Nine's "House Husbands," where she played Gemma Crabb opposite Gary Sweet for five seasons between 2012 and 2017. The popular family drama is available for streaming on Stan.
Interestingly, television executive Michael Healy, a long-time friend of Morris, played a role in her casting on "House Husbands" and has reportedly been instrumental in her return to scripted television for "Stuck Up & Stupid." Healy had previously suggested Morris for the "House Husbands" role.
The timing of this new role is significant, following the axing of "I'm A Celebrity" by Network 10 in May. The reality series is set to move to Channel Seven next year, and Morris has reportedly been exploring acting opportunities rather than immediately seeking another major hosting gig.
Morris was a long-serving presenter on "I'm A Celebrity," co-hosting from its inception in 2015 until 2023 with Dr. Chris Brown, and from 2024 to 2026 with Robert Irwin. Network 10 announced in May that "I'm A Celebrity" would be rested for its 2027 lineup.
A spokesperson for Channel 10 stated at the time of the announcement: "We have made the decision to rest I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2027 as we focus on offering our audience a range of content on all platforms."
With a trusted industry ally facilitating her transition back to acting, this could herald a new and different chapter for the Australian television personality.
