Akshay Kumar replaces Priyanka Chopra as reality show host, puts rival Ajay Devgn out of competition

It can be revealed now. Akshay Kumar returns as host of the next season of reality TV show Khatron Ke Khiladi, replacing Priyanka Chopra and pipping the other contender, Ajay Devgn to the post.

Khiladi Kumar is expected to fly down to Cape Town, where the fourth season will be shot in the first week of March.

Since Priyanka Chopra's hosting of the show didn't drive up TRPs as expected, Colors (the channel the show airs on) decided to play it safe and go with a proven winner: Akki.

"However", says an insider, "Ajay Devgn was keen to host KKK4 and was in talks with the channel. Also, given the rivalry between the two actors, it would be like thumbing his nose at his rival.

The channel wanted Ajay because he's had a good year and is also a popular action hero. But what won Akki the round is his familiarity with the show and the medium. For Ajay, it would've been his first TV show.

Ultimately, the channel decided to stick with tried and tested."

AK also returned to the show because beta Aarav is a big fan. Says a source close to the actor, "His beta wanted his pa to do the thrilling action-based reality show."

The promos of the show will include high-octane, thrilling and dangerous stunts conceptualised and executed by Akshay himself.

The actor is preparing him and toning up his physique for that currently in his hotel gym in Chandigarh where he's shooting for Joker.