WHEN presenter Andrew O’Keefe announces that the “the chase is on” during Monday night’s episode of the The Chase Australia it will be Mount Gambier woman Alison Newman trying to bring home the cash.
The local trivia buff secured the opportunity to go on the pre-recorded show last year after filling out an application form online.
A self-confessed quiz show enthusiast, Ms Newman said visiting the Seven Network to record the episode was one of the “best days of her life”.
“It was just the best experience, from the moment we arrived, there were just so many good people around us to help guide us through the process,” she said.
“By the time we actually got out there to record, it felt really relaxed – I thought I would be nervous.”
Her lack of nerves may have been sparked by her interesting preparation for the show.
“I discovered a podcast as I was driving over to Melbourne called “Podquiz”, which I basically listened to for five hours straight,” She said.
“After that I thought ‘Well I’ve got my head in the right space now, I’m switched on.'”
While Ms Newman could not reveal which “chaser” she would face on Monday night’s episode, she said her favourite on the show is Anne “The Governess” Hegerty.
“They actually asked us who we wanted to go up against and I wanted Anne because I think she is really funny,” she said.
“No one knew who it would be until they walked down the stairs like it happens on television, so it was cool that they kept that surprise.”
Many viewers of the show would be aware of host O’Keefe’s “larger than life” personality and Ms Newman said it was no different when she met him face to face.
“We got a chance to chat to him for around 10 minutes before going to record and he was just hilarious – he started singing and joking, it’s just like a little pantomime for him,” she said.
“I have no idea how they edit it down into a one hour show because there was just so much stuff that went on.”
Ms Newman said she was excited to be able to “tick” the quiz show appearance off the bucket list.
“I’ve always wanted to do a quiz show, I was just always a bit scared to apply, but I just decided it was time to stop messing around,” she said.
“One night after watching the show it came up with details on how to apply, so I went online and filled out the information.
“I got an email saying that my time to go on the show was the next week.”
The episode was recorded in October last year, which meant Ms Newman has had to keep secret for almost a year.
“I’m so excited that it’s finally going to be on television because I’ve had to keep quiet,” she said.
“I can’t wait to see how the episode comes across, but I am a bit nervous though.
“My mother bought a new television and commented that she’d now be able to see my big head on it.”
All will be revealed when the episode of The Chase Australia goes to air this Monday night at 5pm on Channel Seven.
