Channel Seven‘s decision to choose Jackie ‘O’ Henderson as narrator of its new dating series Stranded on Honeymoon Island has sparked controversy.

Dubbed ‘Married At First Sight on the beach’, the show was widely expected to be fronted by Home and Away star Ada Nicodemou, who introduced a first-look at the program during Channel Seven’s 2024 content unveiling last October.

According to this week’s New Idea, industry sources were surprised by the decision to choose Jackie, 49, for the role.

‘If you’re bad at relationships and you can’t even get to the second date, let alone find the love of your life, what do you do? Well, I have a show for you … Stranded on Honeymoon Island,’ Ada told the audience excitedly.

Having been a beloved member of the Seven family for over 24 years, Ada seemed the natural choice for the gig.

‘Many eyebrows were raised by this appointment,’ an insider told the publication.

‘While there is little doubt Jackie is a perfect fit to narrate a show like this one, there is a feeling Seven should have looked internally to someone who has been loyal to the network, like a Home and Away star such as Ada or Emily Weir.’

Given that the network opted for Jackie, especially after her last reality TV stint with Network 10’s The Masked Singer faced challenges, has left many puzzled.

A source close to the situation suggested the decision might be driven by business strategy.

‘It’s good business sense for Seven to hire Jackie for Honeymoon Island,’ the source explained.

‘Seven bosses likely know that shows like MAFS get a lot of airtime on KIIS airwaves and were smart to secure Kyle for Australian Idol, where he was able to drum up his involvement. Now they’ve got Jackie to ensure Honeymoon Island is hopefully a ratings hit.’

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Seven for comment.