'Breakfast's Paul Henry: 'I don't care whether viewers like me'

Paul Henry has revealed that he is not worried about being popular.

The New Zealand television personality, who was announced as one of the hosts of Channel Ten's new morning show Breakfast last year, said that he doesn't mind if the show does not succeed straight away in the ratings. He explained that this is because the network has "no one to lose", having not have a morning programme before.

Henry told the Herald Sun: "Normally, when you start something new, you are worried about not p*ssing off the people [already watching]. We have virtually no one to lose.

"I don't care whether viewers actually like me, but I want them to be entertained by me. I don't want people to watch just because they are outraged by me, but if being outraged by me entertains them, then I am happy."

His Breakfast co-host Andrew Rochford was linked to the show when it was first announced last August, while female anchor Kathryn Robinson was only revealed as one of the presenters last week.

Henry hosted New Zealand station TVNZ's morning show Breakfast for seven years, but was suspended after making inappropriate comments about singer Susan Boyle and Indian government minister Sheila Dikshit.

He has since said that he has no regrets about his career, but never wanted to become a controversial figure.

> Channel Ten announces plans to "lead" Australian TV industry
> New Ten chief says channel needs 'more depth'