'YOU CAN'T SCRIPT THIS SHOW!'
The Amazing Race Australia is back with a new host, who reveals just what it takes to win
Beau Ryan was once a name synonymous with the NRL, most recently as host of
The Footy Show. But now he’s going global! The 34-year-old father-of-two is hosting Ten’s revamped The Amazing Race Australia, and speaking to
Woman’s Day, Ryan makes it clear that the show is not to be missed.
What can viewers expect from the new season?
Well, it’s on a new channel, the best channel, and there’s a new host! There are incredible new challenges, and I actually get to do some of them – I’m jumping out of planes, crawling through rivers, riding camels, showing them how it’s all done.
What are the contestants like?
There’s definitely more access to the teams – we’re exploring backstories of really interesting people, and I think viewers are going to love it. The casting and the contestants are great. I found myself being hit hard when it came time to say goodbye at the eliminations.
Who are some of your faves?
Newlyweds Tim and Rod are completely inspirational. Some of the stuff they told me about what they had to face during their time [together]... to just come out the other end and be so positive, I found it really admirable. Reality TV is often full of drama and scandal. Does the show venture into that at all?
This stuff is not scripted! We’re not getting producers prodding and probing, and these contestants know that whatever they say and do is exactly that and it could end up on air. Fatigue will make cowards of us all, they are already under the pump from the elements.
What is the one must-have skill to be able to compete on the show?
You need to be a patient person. You need to be calm under pressure. There’s a duo of nurses who are so good at that. You can’t be more patient than someone who works in that field.
Was it hard being away from wife Kara and children Remi and Jesse?
Yeah – it’s a long five or so weeks of filming. Thankfully Facetime saved our lives. My wife and kids ended up surprising me at the airport when I returned home from filming. Kara is the real MVP, my son is only two and he’s crazy – like me. The first few weeks away were tough, but eventually I fell into my groove.
Obviously you love reality TV. Would we ever see you competing on
Oh 100 per cent – I’ve nearly gone in two years in a row! Depends what I’m doing at the time, and I’m confident I’ll be working on this show next year. The timing is hard, I’m usually busy on radio at the start of the year – but I’m there if I can be!