Tom Williams gets personal.
THE FORMER TV HOST OPENS UP ABOUT SHOWBIZ, MARRIED LIFE AND TURNING 50
He’s been a fixture on our screens for almost two decades – a tradie turned TV sensation whose good looks and easy, down-to-earth Aussie larrikin nature turned him into a star.
Fresh from appearing in this year’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! Tom Williams says his stint in the African jungle was the perfect preparation for our new normal of Covid-19-related home isolation.
“Limited food, a crazy environment … you’re all in it together and you quickly have to fall into a new regime,”
Tom, 49, says of what life was like in the jungle.
His recent appearance on the reality show marked a TV comeback of sorts, following on from Tom’s unexpected announcement in 2018 that he was quitting as host of Channel Seven’s Daily Edition to try his hand at real estate.
“I needed to start another chapter in my life and to try other things,” explains the former The Great Outdoors star. “It’s taken a while to find the right lane, but that’s what it’s all about.”
Despite only being away from the screen for less than two years, Tom says he missed the “rush” that comes from being in front of the camera.
“The right project always brings the old feelings back of how great TV is,” says Tom. “On the very first day of I’m a Celebrity… there were helicopters flying above, and cameras everywhere … it’s a buzz you never get tired of.”
However, there’s one element of showbiz that Tom doesn’t partake in. Married to fashion designer Rachel Gilbert for more than seven years, the celebrity couple have managed to maintain a drama-free relationship.
“I suppose we don’t broadcast our personal lives as much as some,” he muses. “Or maybe we’re just too boring
“CAMERAS EVERYWHERE … IT’S A BUZZ YOU NEVER GET TIRED OF”
and not newsworthy! There are plenty of others who look for attention and like the drama but we like things laid-back.
“For me, fatherhood was always going to be with the woman who understood me the most. Plus, Rachel is the best mum imaginable, she juggles like no-one else.”
The couple share daughters, Storm, 6, and Sloane, 4.
While many of us are struggling to adjust to our new normal in the midst of the global pandemic, Tom is maintaining a ‘glass half full’ outlook.
“My wife now sits alongside me in our office and our worlds are colliding!” he laughs. “Like any other family, we’re managing the best we can.
“The cooking has seen a big revival, we’re playing a lot more, the garden looks awesome, and our ‘to do’ list is getting shorter and shorter.”
Just as he’s reached a happy equilibrium in his family life, the presenter and businessman has found similar peace with getting older. Only six months away from turning 50, Tom is more comfortable in his skin than he’s ever been.
“I remember turning 40 and thinking: ‘I really need to get my stuff together,’” he reflects. “But looking at turning 50, I can say that my life is exactly where I want it to be. My hair might be grey, but I feel fit and healthy.
“Growing old is compulsory, growing up is an option. And the best thing about turning 50 is the excuse to have a big party – and I mean big ! It’s going to be a ripper.”