She might not be lobbing brussels sprouts at any of her fellow panellists, but TV star Denise Drysdale is causing plenty of excitement behind the scenes at Studio 10.
According to a TV insider, the 71-year-old is being heralded by top executives as “a saviour” after the panel show had a massive boost in ratings when she showed up for work recently.
“Studio 10 has had an axe looming over it, and Ten were in complete panic mode a few weeks back when the show’s ratings dipped to a worrying low of 33,000.
But the next day, execs heavily promoted Denise on the show and there was a huge spike of 10,000 viewers,” says the insider.
Our source says Denise’s pulling power hasn’t gone unnoticed by top level producers, who are now terrified of what would happen if the former Hey Hey It’s Saturday star – who regularly talks about leaving and loves her simple life on the Gold Coast – walks away.
WATCH BELOW: Denise Scott quits Studio 10. Story continues after video.
“She already gets $5000 a week for two or three episodes, but Ten are well aware that Denise could start demanding even more money,” says our source.
“If she did, it would have to come from somewhere and that means someone else’s salary.”
But a spokesperson for Ten asserts the current line-up features much-loved stars.
“At this stage, there are no plans to change the panel,” they said.