It Takes Who?

January 16, 2008
by Rodney Olsen
2 Comments

Channel 7’s It Takes Two is set to hit our screens again soon with Grant Denyer returning as the host and the 2008 line up has just been announced.

The programme pairs professional singers with celebrities in yet another vote ’em off television show. The singers mentor the celebrities, helping them to realise their dreams of becoming rock stars. Each week the couples sing duets and then lets the audience vote via SMS to decide who’ll return the following week.

I will admit to have spent a bit of time in front of the telly when the show’s been on in past years but I’m wondering whether the concept should now be put out to pasture.

Maybe I’m just not part of the target audience but when I read through the list of contestants this year I was left scratching my head wondering who these people are.

Paul O’Brien – Home and Away actor
Chloe Maxwell – Presenter/ mum
Scott Draper – Professional golfer/ tennis player
Virginia Gay – All Saints actor
Julia Morris – Actor/presenter/writer
John Mangos – Sky News anchor
Sara Groen – Channel Seven weather presenter
Mark Wilson – Dancing with the Stars judge
Candice Falzon – Ironwoman
Russell Robertson – AFL football player

OK … I’ll admit I do know a few of those names but there’s not really anyone there who would have me glued to the screen over several weeks.

As for the mentors, most are returning from last year with a few new names.

Rachael Beck – Star of stage and screen
David Hobson – Opera singer
Jade MacRae – Pop princess
Wendy Matthews – Australian singing legend
Kate Ceberano – Multi award winning singer
Anthony Callea – Australia’s record breaking pop star
David Campbell – Swing sensation
Ian Moss – Australian rock icon
Ricki-Lee Coulter – Pop superstar
Adam Harvey – Country singer

Of course it’s just possible that I’ll take a quick look at the first episode and get hooked anyway.



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The Christmas Pageant

December 6, 2007
by Rodney Olsen
3 Comments

christmaspageant.jpgI put my hand up.

We had a phone call at 98.5 Sonshine FM last week from someone looking for any volunteers to take on the task of being a street announcer for this year’s RAC Channel 7 Christmas Pageant.

Fellow announcer, John Donoghue, and I put our hands up to help out.

Tonight we went to a quick briefing at Channel 7. We were given our scripts, our official shirts and a few instructions on what is required on the night.

Essentially our job involves being at one of ten points along the route of the pageant to tell the audience what they’re seeing. We’ll be introducing each of the floats as they pass by and giving some background information on each of the participating groups.

It’s been many years since I’ve been to the Channel 7 Christmas Pageant. I remember mum taking us many years ago. We got there nice and early to get a good spot and then watched the parade of colourful floats and performers.

If you’re in the Perth area and thinking of joining the crowds to enjoy the evening, it kicks off from 8:30 p.m. in the city with a number of roads being closed from 6:30 p.m. I’d suggest getting in early for a good position. John and I will be announcing on the corner of Murray and William Streets, just outside the Wentworth Hotel.

If you’re heading into the city to be part of the fun, make sure you track us down and say hello.



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