Aunt Jenni exited the show this week and I must admit, for only knowing her for a short period of time; I hope to be exactly like her when I reach her age. She is very well-spoken (maybe it’s too late for that), but what struck me with her was her respectful ways around the contestants, her ability to remain extremely calm when under stress and her absolute love and devotion for her family - especially her husband and little Pheebs.
Often I would arrive on set at 6am for hair and make-up (yes, it takes a long time to get me looking respectable unfortunately!) and Jenni would have her iPod on doing laps around the house before many of the contestants would wake. I know she will continue her courageous journey on the outside and Phoebe will be fine.
There were indeed fireworks during Elimination and it always shocks me when confrontations happen right before my eyes. I think I still see myself as BL devotee/fan so to be on set and witness it and have to adjudicate it is simply weird. Chris is definitely having a tough time at the moment so hopefully things pick up for him soon and his confidence will return.
The contestants trained with the Waratahs which I’m very envious about as my family are huge Phil Waugh supporters. The contestants filled me in the following day how inspirational the training session was with them and how Joe and Rick put them through their paces. All these boys talk about is their footy, so it must have been a thrill for them to meet them.
Things are definitely starting to change in the house now that we are a few weeks into the competition. I’m seeing defined rifts between contestants and there seems to be some sort of unspoken alliance playing out...I wonder if I’m right!
This week’s challenge was a brains and brawn challenge which really sorted the contestants out. I loved this challenge - kudos to the art department, it was really special for me to be on set and see the gamut of emotions running through the contestants and the way the challenge was run was unreal. Daina and Caitlin were the eventual winners over the Caboolture Green boys, Joe and Rick, and walked away very happily with immunity.
Matt Shirvington visited CBL which was very inspiring (especially for the girls) and the guys were extremely impressed at his flawless athleticism. Matt helped the contestants with their running style which was timely considering they had a 10km race coming up.
Wayne was the week’s Biggest Loser which resulted in a very emotional family visit. His wife, two teenage sons and little three-year-old daughter, Sienna, visited which is never a tear-free occasion. Little Sienna didn’t even recognise Wayne which was very sad, but very complimentary for Wayne on how well he has done so far.
The contestants faced another massive challenge when they stepped to race 10km. I can hardly believe these guys are already at a fitness level where they can do this - it really is inspirational. Wayne prevailed as winner and as a result, graciously handed over the prize of three phone calls home to Shannon, Lisa and Phil...needless to say, they were all very thankful and there were many tears to come. At this stage, Lisa and I are on par with the tears!
Masterclass is back, which is one of my favourite days of filming. I love the ‘Doctor Chat’ and am in awe of our resident Doctor - Norman Swan - so smart and puts to me to shame when having to remember our scripts.
It’s already weigh-in time soon and things are starting to heat up. I still get shocked each day when I’m on set and have to remind myself that I’m hosting the show - haven’t quite mastered how to be a BL fan but host as well!
Eliminations are my most dreaded episodes to film. It really is getting harder and harder. These guys are becoming like family to me. I love being on set with them, so having to eliminate them each week is something I do not look forward to.
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