This is quite possibly the best industry cross-over idea ever. New Idea have always included recipes in their magazine, so a move to a magazine-format TV show makes a lot of sense. Including a musician as host is sublime… after all, a musician’s gotta eat, and what better way that to get him hosting a show about food! Think of the savings in wages they won’t have to pay him! Smartest. Move. Ever. From the press release:

Seven today announced Damien Leith will step into a new role as the host of New Idea Test Kitchen.

No stranger to the small screen, Damien won Australian Idol in 2006 and earlier this year competed on Dancing With The Stars making it to the grand finale. On hosting New Idea Test Kitchen Damien said; “I’m just thrilled, excited and can’t wait.” Damien, a passionate cook enjoys preparing meals at home with his children and also draws most of his cooking style from cultural influences growing up.

New Idea Test Kitchen will bring the cookery and craft featured weekly in New Idea to life and will air nationally on 7TWO and Seven starting next month. The show will feature recipes from the magazine’s new lift-out ‘food booklet’ focusing on inspirational recipes, seasonal food selection, easy tips from cooking professionals and brilliant ideas to help out with Christmas and summer entertaining. New Idea food director, Barbara Northwood and New Idea food editor, Pamela Jones will be cooking alongside Damien in the kitchen.

New Idea Test Kitchen will also road test kitchen gadgets, feature the latest market news, including tips and information about fresh produce such as seafood, fruit, veggies and meats. Each week a different celebrity will shop for ingredients and then join Damien in the kitchen to whip up one of their favourite meals.

Kim Wilson, Editor in Chief, New Idea commented, “We know how passionate our readers are about food and cooking, so we’re thrilled to bring the pages to life and be able to offer yet another way for Australians to feast on the magazine’s content in this dynamic format.”