Robert Irwin has topped the list of the most bankable broadcasting stars in Australia, thanks to a string of successful business manoeuvres including the Bonds campaign heard ‘round the world.
The annual list, dubbed the Australian Talent Index report, is compiled by the Talent Corp agency and is based on insights from the Lewers Research firm, which tracks the trajectory of our most notable homegrown stars.
On the all-rounder front, Irwin beat out the likes of power couple Andy Lee and Hamish Blake, actor Rebecca Gibney and TV vet Chris Brown, thanks largely to his hosting duties on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, his successful run on the US version of Dancing With the Stars and yes, his snake-friendly campaign for Bonds back in April.
Meanwhile, over on the airwaves, Amanda Keller took him the win as Australia’s most popular radio personality, followed closely by Carrie Bickmore and Dave Hughes (dream blunt rotation). Their radio peer Kyle Sandilands (he can skip the rotation) was the runner-up in the breakfast radio and television category, second to Today’s Karl Stefanovic.
Kate Ritchie’s name also appeared in the radio category, but in the news wars, it was Channel 9 anchor and steely icon Pete Overton who topped the list, just ahead of Channel 7’s Mark Ferguson.
The list is based on a survey of 4,000 Australians across 500 of the country’s most recognisable names, but Mark Noakes — the boss of Talent Corp — told The Australian it’s not simply a popularity contest.
“Our 2025 Talent Index confirms that audiences respond strongly to personalities who combine authenticity with reach,” Noaks said, perhaps referencing the reach of an unfurled snake.
“Robert Irwin topping the list again demonstrates the commercial power of a celebrity whose appeal is both broad and trusted,” he added.
It comes amid a boom in popularity for Irwin, who has continued his run as a beloved undie-wearing headline-grabber with a Gold Logie nomination, a legal battle with Pauline Hanson (also excluded from the blunt rotation), and a DWTS stint that has won over hearts in the US.
This month alone, Irwin has gotten tongues wagging on the competition series with a shirtless dance and a tribute performance to his mum, Terri Irwin, as well as a heartfelt message about his late dad and fellow beloved icon, Steve Irwin.
With all that, it’s no wonder Irwin topped the list of most bankable broadcast stars. Here’s hoping the win will spur a Bonds campaign sequel, hopefully with even more suggestively shaped wildlife.
Lead images: Instagram
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