Mel B announced as new host of 'Dancing with the Stars' Australia

Mel B has been announced as the new host of Australia's Dancing with the Stars.

The former Spice Girl, who is also a judge on the Aussie version of The X Factor, said that she is the ideal candidate to replace Sonia Kruger as the presenter of the show because she was a contestant on the US Dancing with the Stars in 2007.

Mel B's deal with Channel Seven is rumoured to be worth in excess of $1 million (£679,000) and will see her front the reality series alongside former Neighbours actor Daniel MacPherson.

The 36-year-old star told Yahoo: "Doing Dancing With The Stars in America changed me. I've danced all my life, and, of course, with the Spice Girls, but there was something so intoxicating about learning to dance in such a classic, trained way. It was intense, but I loved every moment. I'm still annoyed I didn't win!

"As any contestant on DWTS will tell you, it does change your life. I will be bringing my experiences to the show, and will be very protective of this year's group."

She added to The Sunday Telegraph: "I didn't know if packing up and moving here would work so I tested the waters - just as I'm sure Seven tested the waters with my accent and humour and how people responded to me.

"And luckily it worked out really well. The kids love it here, it's a similar lifestyle to LA but it's somewhat better. I feel like it's going to be my Aussie, Sydney year."

Mel B also said that she hopes to get former bandmates Emma Bunton and Victoria Beckham to visit her during her stint in Australia, saying: "I've been telling them how fabulous it is out here."

It was announced late last year that Kruger would be defecting to Channel Nine to host the relaunched Big Brother. She has since been revealed as the frontwoman of new breakfast TV show Mornings.

Other celebrities previously linked to her old Dancing with the Stars role included Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ada Nicodemou and Rachael Finch.

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