James Mathison was once one of the most famous television personalities in the country, co-hosting Australian Idol for six years alongside Osher Günsberg.
But after parting ways with the reality show in 2009, James dabbled in a number of other TV projects before largely disappearing from the public eye.
These days, the 40-year-old is more active in politics, eschewing the entertainment world in favour of a quiet life in Sydney with his wife and two young daughters.
Whatever happened to James Mathison? The Australian Idol co-host has traded showbusiness for politics and now enjoys a low-key life away from the spotlight. Pictured in October 2017
Heyday: James was once one of the most famous TV personalities in the country, co-hosting Australian Idol for six years alongside Osher Günsberg (formerly Andrew G). Pictured in 2005
After six seasons hosting Network Ten’s Australian Idol, James moved to The Project in 2009, where he became a part-time panellist during the show’s early years.
He defected to Channel Seven in 2012, becoming a film critic for Weekend Sunrise.
However, he jumped back to Ten the following year to co-host the network’s new breakfast show Wake Up! alongside Natarsha Belling and Natasha Exelby.
Life in the fast lane! James is pictured with a group of bikini models at a Cleo event in 2005
Short-lived: In 2013, James was named co-host of Network Ten’s new breakfast show Wake Up! alongside Natarsha Belling and Natasha Exelby. It was axed after less than a year
The program failed to attract significant ratings and was axed after less than a year.
James’ last notable appearance on Australian television was as contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2015.
The quick-witted presenter then swapped entertainment for politics, running as an independent candidate in the federal seat of Warringah during the 2016 election.
Trying his hand at politics! James swapped entertainment for politics, notably running as an independent candidate in the federal seat of Warringah during the 2016 election
Still friends! James’ former Australian Idol co-host Osher Günsberg (right) came out to support him on the campaign trail in Warringah in July 2016
The seat was held by then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott, but James failed to oust the political powerhouse, garnering only 11.4 per cent of the primary vote.
However, the defeat hasn’t stopped James from expressing his political opinions on his Facebook page, where he recently advocated for action on climate change.
Besides Facebook, James seems to largely steer clear of social media. He has no public Instagram page and only a locked-down Twitter account.
Loved-up! James is happily married to fashion writer Carlie Fowler. His personal life is kept largely out of the spotlight
His personal life is also kept largely out of the spotlight.
James is married to fashion writer Carlie Fowler, with whom he shares two daughters – Luca, five, and three-year-old Celeste.
Meanwhile, his former Idol co-host Osher Günsberg has continued to find success in showbusiness as presenter of The Bachelor.
Doting dad! James has two young daughters, Luca and Celeste, whom he shares with Carlie