Jaquie’s many projects:

Jaquie Brown talks to Sarah Nealon about her weekly appearance on The Project and the biggest misconception about her.

The things you didn’t know about Jaquie Brown.

If you’ve been watching The Project on Fridays you may have noticed a familiar face. That’s because Jaquie Brown is the panel show’s fourth host joining regulars Kanoa Lloyd, Jesse Mulligan and Josh Thomson. For Brown (The Jaquie Brown Diaries, Campbell Live, Keep

Calm And Carry On), her weekly appearances on the programme are something she looks forward to.

“Because I’m a busy mum, and I’ve got other projects and I’ve got my head in the sand most of the time, when I go [on The Project] it’s like my little injection of news and current affairs.

“I feel like I’m actually up to date and can hold an adult conversation and feel like I know what I’m talking about – otherwise I’d have no idea really,” says Brown, who has two children, age six and three. Brown, who is the author of I’m Not Fat I’m Pregnant and Jaquie

Brown’s Guide To Life, is known for her quick wit and seemingly outgoing personality.

Her Facebook page says she is a “TV presenter, writer [and] performing seal”.

Surprisingly Brown, 41, says the biggest misconception about her is that she is an extrovert.

“I’m actually an introvert,” she insists. “I much prefer to be at home quietly working away on my own rather than surrounded by people.”

British-born Brown got her start in New Zealand’s media industry at a student radio station which eventually led to television work.

“Once I started working in TV, I loved it because I had always done school plays and performing and things like that,” she says.

“Television is just a great medium. I love the freedom that live TV gives you that you can say anything in the moment and you can’t go back and change it. It’s more exciting that way. It’s unpredictable and I really thrive on that.”