Axle Whitehead opens up about his new show
HOST OF THE WALL TELLS WHY HIS NEW SHOW WILL BE HUGE AND THE TRUTH ABOUT ACTING
Axle Whitehead has seen the dark side of the film and TV industry. Speaking to New Idea, the Aussie actor, singer and host tells of local successes, including four years on Home And Away and hosting the music show Video Hits.
But after moving to Los Angeles, he reveals the struggles of starting all over again.
‘Artists know the ups and downs of the industry, but sometimes the public doesn’t quite know. It’s all part of it,’ the 36-year-old – who is about to jet back home to Australia for four months, ahead of the premiere of Channel Seven’s new game show, The Wall – candidly admits.
‘When you have to struggle through things, it just makes you appreciate the finer things in life.’
Axle is now relishing in his most recent achievements, including a guest-starring role on hit US show Shameless, a recurring role in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and, of course, hosting Channel Seven’s new game show The Wall. The show, created by basketballer Lebron James, has already been a huge hit in America and was filmed overseas in Poland.
‘To be back on Australian TV with The Wall, I’m super-proud of it – it’s going to have people on the edge of their seats,’ Axle says. ‘It’s been a huge hit over here [in LA]. The beauty about the show is that it’s not just a quiz show – it’s a human drama.
‘You go through this journey with these people who are very deserving of a life-changing experience. You could win millions, then lose millions in a heartbeat and then make it back.
‘Apologies for using a cliche, but it’s a roller-coaster. Aussie audiences will really dig it.’
With a Tv-hosting past, the LA resident jumped in head first – quickly settling into his new role.
‘I started in 2006 hosting Video Hits for three years. I had never hosted before that and I learnt how to interview people and research – all on the job!’ he laughs. ‘Learning on the job is the best way to learn anything. It’s been a while since I’ve done any hosting, so to get thrown in the deep end again and hit the ground running was interesting – I had an exceptional team, who’ve been extraordinary.
‘It’s been the biggest pleasure of my working career, without a doubt!’