As expected, Andrew Rochford will front Ten's challenge to Sunrise and Today (Image: Ten Network)

The Ten Network unveiled its 2012 slate of programmes on Wednesday, including a new breakfast programme co-hosted by Andrew Rochford and a revival of the variety programme Young Talent Time.

Breakfast will represent Ten's first serious attempt to challenge the dominance of Seven's Sunrise and Nine's Today, which have been locked in another tight battle in the ratings this year.

Rochford, who is a regular on Ten's The 7PM Project and presents a breakfast show on Sydney's Mix 106.5 radio station, had been widely reported as one of the hosts of the new show in the days leading up to the announcement. Ten has not yet confirmed who the other presenter will be.

"Breakfast radio has taught me a great deal about how people want to start their day. They want the facts, but they want them in a light and entertaining way," he said.

The new series of Young Talent Time - which ran for eighteen seasons between 1971 and 1988 - will be fronted by the singer Rob Mills and co-produced by Johnny Young.

Despite its dreadful ratings so far, The Renovators is one of the programmes that will stay on television screens in 2012. Well-established series like MasterChef, The Biggest Loser, Bondi Rescue, Bondi Vet and Offspring will return as well.

New programmes to arrive at Ten next year include the Australian dramas Bikie Wars, Underground: The Julian Assange Story, Puberty Blues and Reef Doctors. Ten has snatched The Graham Norton Show from the ABC as part of its line-up of international shows.

Ten claimed that its 2012 slate was its "strongest programme line-up in recent years". But the announcement comes as the network struggles even to tread water following the conclusion of its culinary juggernaut MasterChef Australia and the dismal performance of its new series The Renovators.

The launch of Breakfast is far from a safe bet either. This time last year, Ten announced its intention to go head-to-head with Nine and Seven in news and current affairs - a strategy that has clearly failed to capture viewers' imagination.

Also in The Spy Report: Ten backs troubled Renovators and 6.30

To discuss the prospects for Breakfast, visit our dedicated forum thread. Have your say about the rest of the slate in our Ten Network 2012 thread, or by submitting a comment below.