Tony Veitch to return to broadcasting

JOHN SELKIRK/Fairfax Media

TAKING THE PLUNGE: Broadcaster Tony Veitch will return to television screens on Wednesday, according to reports.

Related Links

Former TV star Veitch in dunes drama Veitch hospitalised in a 'distressed state'

Relevant offers

Former broadcaster Tony Veitch will return to New Zealand television screens on Wednesday, it has been reported.

The 34-year-old quit his high-profile TV and radio jobs seven months ago amid allegations he assaulted his former partner, Kristin Dunne-Powell.

Veitch, who faces seven charges of violence over the incident, has been hired as a panellist by Murray Deaker for his Sky TV show Deaker on Sport, the Herald on Sunday reported.

Deaker said Veitch was a talented broadcaster who deserved another chance.

"He hasn't had any work for six months and the case is many months away from being heard so, in my opinion, it's time he got back on the horse again."

Deaker said he "couldn't care less" about anyone who was critical of him hiring Veitch.

"I have thought this through and I don't care. I firmly believe people should be given a right to use their skill and to work.

"I try and look at life by putting myself in other people's shoes and of all the people who have worked in sport there are only a handful of people who have the same passion that I have and Tony happens to be one of them."

Deaker, who has battled depression and alcoholism, said he was given a chance after his breakdown in 2005 and wanted to do the same for Veitch.

Veitch said he was "grateful to Sky and Murray for giving me the chance".

He said he missed covering sports and was looking forward to "some good old-fashioned banter with Deaks".

Veitch has also been named a finalist for best sports presenter in the TV Guide's annual awards.

His trial was not expected to be heard until at least the end of 2010.

-NZPA