The host for TV’s big new drag talent contest has now been announced – it’s Packed to the Rafters star Hugh Sheridan.

The actor, singer and dancer has extensive experience in musical theatre, which will come in handy on the new I Will Survive show, which is all about discovering someone new to play the lead role in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in New York.

“I’m really happy to be given this opportunity and can’t wait to get started,” says Sheridan. “This show is about finding Australian talent, our next big star! Someone who can master not only singing but acting and dancing, arguably the hardest three things we can do as entertainers.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know our contestants, and sharing with them what I have learnt on my own journey,” he adds. “It’s gonna be a tough road crossing Australia and staging impressive challenges that will see our 12 contenders battle it out to be ‘the one’.”

The open auditions took place last month and the filming of I Will Survive starts this month, with the series is set to air on channel Ten later this year.

Sheridan, 26, has won several Logies during his four-year stint as Ben Rafter on 7’s popular family drama. He’s also had an album out… see a video and hear the songs below.