Peaches was in talks for Dawson's TV role

Senior Reporter·Herald on Sunday·

19 Apr, 2014 04:15 PM3 mins to read

Peaches Geldof. Photo / AP

Peaches Geldof planned to move Downunder to replace troubled Kiwi TV presenter Charlotte Dawson on Australia's Next Top Model.

Former model Geldof, 25, who died suddenly on April 7 at her home in Kent, England, was in talks to appear on the hit show after Dawson's suicide in February.

Troubled Dawson, 47, was found dead in her luxury Sydney home by a real estate agent when he arrived to inspect the property ahead of its auction.

Dawson, who had long battled depression, had been axed by Australia's Next Top Model in November and was unhappy about not having any work lined up this year.

In a tragic twist, mum-of-two Geldof was set to take her place as a judge and model mentor and was one of several candidates shortlisted for the role.

In an interview before her death, Geldof was upbeat about her future, including a secret TV project she was working on.

It is believed she planned to move to Australia for three months for the job.

Speaking to Britain's Sunday Times newspaper, in her final interview, Geldof said: "I can't say what it is yet but I will be there for three months."

She added: "Of course the babies will come with me because obviously I won't leave them for that long."

In the wake of Dawson's death, management at TV company Foxtel decided to delay production of a new season of Australia's Next Top Model for a few months to give colleagues and friends time to grieve.

Foxtel director of television Brian Walsh confirmed preliminary discussions had taken place about Dawson's replacement.

"Peaches was one of a number of names suggested but we took the decision that it was too soon to make any calls," he said.