The Hit List

THE POPULAR TV HOST REVEALS WHY HER CO HOSTS ARE LIKE BROTHERS

In 2019, many fans felt The Living Room host Amanda Keller was unlucky not to win the Gold Logie Award she’d been nominated for. Keller is one of Australia’s most-loved TV – and radio – stars and her warm empathy and wicked wit effortlessly come across the airwaves. “If you’re saying I make it look easy, I thank you,” she laughs. “But I’m ably supported by my TV brothers on The Living Room – Miguel [Maestre}, Dr Chris [Brown] and Barry [Du Bois] – not to mention my Jonesy & Amanda [WSFM Breakfast Show co-host] mate Brendan Jones. I’m very lucky.” You’re back with an all-new and improved version of The Living Room. How’s it going? We’re back, rebooted, rejigged and refreshed – and that’s just my face! But if we’re talking about The Living Room, it’s really exciting that, after nine years of doing the show, we’re in a home – our home base we’re calling it. We’ve really made it our own. Some of the paintings on the wall are by my husband [Harley Oliver]. Miguel’s king of the jungle head dress is there, although Chris hid it in the freezer the other day, just to annoy him! There are pictures of our kids on the walls. We’ve really stamped our personalities on the place.

What makes the show special?

There was some magic at play when we were cast together. You can’t manufacture that chemistry. I’d known Chris a little bit. I’d never heard of Miguel and I knew of Barry from his show The Renovators. It was as if we sonarsignalled each other like dolphins. We were all drawn to one another and our friendship was instant. They’re my TV brothers now – naughty brothers but also useful brothers. Barry has designed my home, Chris comes over to treat my dog and I’m always hitting up Miguel for recipe ideas – when I can get a word in that is.

How do you juggle your early morning radio starts with TV work, and how does it impact on your family life?

I’m used to it now. The radio show can be a challenge because everyone’s so quick to take offence, but when you do three hours of live radio every day you are bound to slip up sometimes. Thankfully nothing too bad has been said by me – yet. TV work is during the day but I’m home for dinner with my husband and sons Liam and Jack nearly every night.

Have you taken up jigsaws during iso?

I haven’t had time because I was fortunate that my work carried on throughout. I must admit I have started baking a lot of banana bread though – but I’m trying not to eat it. I’m on rations but I force-feed it to my family!

(The Living Room airs on

Fri. at 7.30pm on Network Ten)

The Living Room is screening a 1970s inspired episode this week.

“Do I remember the ’70s? What do you think?” laughs Keller.

Keller, 58, admits The Living Room often makes her laugh – and cry. “It’s emotional,” she says.