Matthew Newton

According to reports, Matthew Newton has been forced to pull out as host of Seven’s ‘The X Factor’, following his return to Melbourne to be readmitted into a private rehabilitation clinic under “medical advice”.

The 33-year old was reportedly ”escorted” home from Dublin by a network producer, following claims of an altercation with girlfriend Rachael Taylor (‘Transformers’) in the lobby of a luxury hotel in Rome the previous week.

Newton had been on holiday with the actress, before he was expected to film segments for ‘The X Factor’ with judge/mentor Ronan Keating in the singer’s home town.

“On arrival in Dublin it was decided that Matthew needed to return to Australia to the care of his family,” said a Fremantle Media source.

News of the host’s departure comes just a week before the series was set to premiere on Monday, August 30.

Newton had already completed production on the audition and bootcamp stages of the competition, and was set to film other segments at each of the judges/mentor’s homes before the series went into live performance m0de.

A Seven spokesperson commented on the report saying, “Matthew had a strong commitment to the program and has tried his utmost to make it work. He has the support of his family and friends as he works his way back to full health.”

Netwon’s profile has already been removed from the show’s official website.

It’s unclear whether this situation will affect the show’s scheduled launch next week. There is also no word on who will replace Newton as host for the rest of the series.

Source: AdelaideNow via TV Tonight