The Nine Network has confirmed comedian Dave Hughes will host Australia’s Got Talent when the format returns to our screens in 2016.

This will be the first time the popular radio host has taken on full hosting duties for a TV series. A former panellist on The Project and Before the Game, Hughes has spent 2015 doing comedy segments for Nine’s AFL Footy Show.

Hughes today telling News Corp he was excited to be involved with a program that offers opportunities to young talent.

“With this sort of show there’s more of a chance to have a go. I don’t necessarily want to see a judge who’s just being nasty.”

This website understands the new version will air early next year, possibly head to head with juggernaut My Kitchen Rules on Seven and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here on Ten. Judges for the new version of Australia’s Got Talent will be revealed before Christmas.

Described as the ‘talent show that celebrates the unique and brilliant from all walks of life’ the program last aired in Australia on Nine in 2014.

Producers for the series have had talent scouts searching for unique performers in various categories, in preparation for the shows return which will be produced Melbourne studios.

The previous version of Australia’s Got Talent on Nine was hosted by Julia Morris. While that version failed in the ratings, previous series on Seven have attracted huge ratings and format remains hugely successful overseas.