He was interested in producing a play in New York: "Pommy" by William Lipscomb. After five months, Randell returned to Hollywood to play Cole Porter in MGM's "Kiss Me, Kate" (1953). While there he appeared on TV in "Where Lovely Women" with Arlene Dahl. He came to London to appear in a West End production, "The Fifth Season". It did not have a long run. Randell appeared in "Theatre Royal" on the BBC then became an "overnight success" when he took over as the summer replacement for the host of the British TV series "What's My Line?" in May 1954. He blew a kiss to a viewer on air, causing controversy. It led to a series of offers, including a role in a national tour of "Sabrina Fair" and a role in "I Am a Camera" (1955). He was to have been in "The Girl Friends" directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. but did not appear in the final film. From October 1954 to December 1955, Randell hosted the ABC anthology series "The Vise". In the US he made a pilot to a TV show with Pat Crowley, "My Man, Sing" and a film "Desert Sands" (1956). In March 1955, Randell returned to Australia to appear in a stage production of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial". There was an incident when he and fellow members of the play's cast – including Americans Jeffrey Lynn and Lee Tracy – were locked in a hotel room for not paying their bill. The play was not a financial success and only played in Sydney. Randell returned to Hollywood to make "Frontier Scout" (1956), then went to Bermuda for "Bermuda Affair" (1956). In October 1955 he got a job in London compering TV show "On the Town", replacing Jack Jackson. He had to take a leave of absence to make "Beyond Mombassa" (1956) in Africa. He had a support role in "The Story of Esther Costello" (1957) shot in London. In May 1956 he returned to Hollywood after a six-month absence and appeared in "The She-Creature" (1956). In September 1956 Randell told the press, "With this present phase of making films all over the world, an actor has to be ready to pack up and keep moving. In one year I have worked in these places, in this order: Hollywood.