Mathison 'to replace Sandilands on Idol'

Former Australian Idol host James Mathison is the bookies' favourite to replace sacked judge Kyle Sandilands.

Sandilands, who caused outrage after exposing a 14-year-old rape victim on his morning radio programme with co-host Jackie O, was fired from his judging role on the reality show yesterday.

Mathison, who quit as host of Idol last year after six years, is now the odds-on favourite to take the DJ's place as a judge alongside Marcia Hines and Ian Dickson.

Other favourites are musicals star Tina Arena, MTV presenter Ruby Rose, former Idol winner Guy Sebastian and X Factor judge Dannii Minogue.

The seventh series of the singing show premieres this Sunday on Channel Ten.