Chasing greatness as hosts
The Governess has started the ball rolling. While here on a whistle-stop tour, The Chase star Anne Hegerty suggested she’d be up for a New Zealand version of The Chase.
Although none of the local broadcasters have put their hand up yet to back a Kiwi version of the hit British quiz show, that hasn’t stopped us taking the next vital step.
Key to The Chase UK’S
success is its host Bradley Walsh. The former Coronation Street star, who will be one of the new Doctor Who companions when the long-running sci-fi series returns later this year, is a charismatic figure whose banter with the contestants and the Chasers gets viewers engaged and involved. So what Kiwi celebrity could fill his shoes and go toe-to-toe with the likes of The Governess, The Vixen or The Sinnerman? Here are five of our suggestions for suitable candidates.
Dai Henwood
Despite Family Feud’s unfortunate demise, it proved to be the perfect showcase for the diminutive comedian’s brand of cheeky humour and ability to strike a chord with contestants from all walks of life.
And, as his long-running team captaincy gig on 7 Days has also demonstrated, he’s also good for a Bradley Walsh-style gaffes and uncontrollable giggling.
Hilary Barry
If Louise Wallace can transform from current affairs reporting to hosting The Weakest Link, why not put Seven Sharp’s Barry in the hotseat for this quiz?
We know she has a wicked sense of humour, we’ve seen she can do authoritative, and she’s already shown she’s got a rapport with Hegerty.
Simon Barnett
Let’s be honest, between Face the Music, Grand Champion and Wheel of Fortune, Ashburton’s Peter Pan of New Zealand television has form in this kind of gig. And we’re sure plenty of Kiwis would love to see nice-guy Si take on The Chasers in the requisite banter battles.
Jeremy Corbett
He might still be processing his much-derided time on Deal or No Deal, but the 7 Days host has more than proven his resilience and ability to deliver cutting remarks during the nine years of the topical panel show.
Plus, having dealt with the likes of Paul Ego, Dai Henwood and Urzila Carlson for so long, taking on The Chasers would be a doddle.
Anika Moa
If the past few months are anything to go by, it seems TV networks are falling over themselves to try to find suitable gigs for this charismatic and controversial musician-turnedscreen personality.
With her ability to ask the hard (and unexpected questions), surely she could be just the ticket to get viewers tuning in every episode.