[2] Harris and Graeme-Evans ended their involvement with the production of Hi-5, and the brand was placed under the direction of Nine and Southern Star executives, Martin Hersov and Cathy Payne.
[2] Along with the change of ownership, cast members Kellie Crawford, Nathan Foley and Sun Park left the group in late 2008.
[3][4][5] In December, it was alleged by News.com.au's Confidential reporter that Crawford and Foley had been asked to leave, and that the company were "opting to recruit younger, cheaper performers.
[5] The new members of Hi-5, Lauren Brant, Fely Irvine and Tim Maddren, were revealed in February 2009 after auditioning in late 2008 and beginning work in January.
[1] Noel Price from Southern Star, who had over a decade of experience in children's television, was assigned as the executive producer of the new series.