Totally Talented, Totally Tanya
Tanya Hennessy is one of Toowoomba’s very own claims to fame. The media prompt that Tanya was an overnight internet sensation, but she claims it took a little bit longer.
“It took me 15 years to be an overnight sensation,” Tanya says. Known to her Toowoomba ears through her time on Hit100.7fm’s Breakfast show Tanya and Hamish a few years ago, Tanya has since made the move to the big smoke and made the most of every avenue. Her more general claim to Australian-wide (if not international fame) came with her social media accounts on Facebook and Youtube as she posted funny, yet relatable, videos.
The multi-talented Tanya even wrote the hilarious book Am I Doing This Right? Life Lessons from the Encyclopaedia Bri-tanya. Late last year Tanya announced on the national weekend radio show she co-hosted with Dylan and Angus she say’s her first love was radio presenting.
“I never thought I would have the life I have and it’s because of radio,” Tanya said concluding that she would be finishing up with the radio program after nine years with the network.
“Radio has given me the confidence to do it, I was nothing until I got behind a microphone; I really found who I was and
I found my voice and I’m so thankful,” Tanya said through tears.
Tanya continued to say that prospect for work in the States and the opportunity of stand-up comedy and live comedy gigs were on the horizon.
Before that though, Tanya was on the Australian reality show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! which although might not be in her eyes the right title for someone in her position, but a stepping stone and absolute proof of success.
The radio host, author, reality TV star and internet sensation had a chat to Style about everything from roughing it in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! to future aspirations, ambitions and goals.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE FROM TOOWOOMBA?
I loved it! I had the best time there and will always love T-bar! My boyfriend is a Toowoomba boy, we met there, and visit all the time!
IS THERE ANYTHING FROM YOU MISS FROM THE CITY?
Everything! I loved the beauty of the town! Have you seen a more beautiful city? I think not!
WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?
I have always loved Rebel Wilson and Tina Fey!
WHAT GRADE CELEBRITY WOULD YOU QUALIFY YOURSELF?
I would argue I’m not a celeb at all, the show should have been called “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here And Also TANYA Is Here.”
WHO IN YOUR LIFE HAS HELPED YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF YOUR JOURNEY?
My family, close friends and my boyfriend! I couldn’t do anything without them; support in this industry is everything!
WHAT WAS I’M A CELEBRITY GET ME OUT OF HERE LIKE?
It was full on! Eating rice and beans, doing nothing and then trials! It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done!
DID YOU ENJOY ROUGHING IT PRIOR? DO YOU NOW?
Nope and nope.
ANY FUNNY STORIES THAT WEREN’T AIRED, OR YOU STILL LAUGH AT?
We told so many stories and were filmed 24/7 and it’s only an hour show. I made a joke that I will know when I have “made it” when I do a photo shoot for a magazine without shoes on! Have you noticed that big celebs always do photos at home in a ball gown with no shoes on?
LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE JUNGLE?
The boredom. It’s so, so hard to do nothing and know nothing about what’s going on.
WHAT HAS THE EXPERIENCE OF THE JUNGLE TAUGHT YOU AT LIFE?
That I am strong, and I can do anything I put my mind to!
IF YOU COULD GIVE ANY CAREER TIPS WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Learn resilience, outwork everyone, take every opportunity and be kind. Also, this quote helps me “You either have results or excuses.”
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
Yep! I want to move to LA and work in the film and television industry there!
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY GOALS?
I can’t wait to be a mum! I don’t know if I’ll be a good mum, but I’ll give it a crack!