Matthew Newton to host 'The X Factor'

Matthew Newton has been announced as the presenter of the new Australian version of The X Factor.

The Underbelly actor, who completed a drug and alcohol addiction rehab programme a month ago, reportedly beat stars such as Sonia Kruger and Axle Whitehead to win the hosting role.

Newton told the Herald Sun: "I'm extremely honoured to be given this opportunity. I'm up for new things and going on a fresh journey.

"It feels like a positive challenge. It seemed like a really positive thing to do. It is a hard industry to get into and shows like The X Factor can help start a lifelong career in the music business. I'm a huge fan of the UK version."

The 33-year-old star, who is believed to be engaged to Transformers actress Rachael Taylor, started filming on the reality music show yesterday.

The judges on the show are Kyle Sandilands, Natalie Imbruglia, Guy Sebastian and Ronan Keating.