The Gold Coast Bulletin

RUSSEL’S DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

- SUZANNE SIMONOT

GOLD Coast stuntman Russel Francis admits he welled up with tears after living to sing another day – tonight, in fact – on reality TV ratings hit The Voice.

Francis was facing the chop from Team Seal after his sing-off with Lara Nakhle and Annalise Walker during the new knockout rounds when he was saved by the bell – Boy George’s bell.

“I thought this is it, time to pack by bags. And then Boy George stole me,” he said.

“Backstage afterwards I broke down. I was really emotional. Laura is such a phenomenal person.

“I was happy to go through and then heartbroke­n at the same time.

“You get really close to these people.”

A former Chippendal­es host and stage performer from Florida, Francis embarked on a new career as a stuntman at Movie World after moving to Main Beach with his Aussie wife, Ali Francis. He’s currently working as a driver and drifter in Hollywood Stunt Driver 2

Francis will return to his first love – music – on The Voice tonight when he battles fellow Team George singer Robin Johnson to secure a place in this year’s Top 12 when live shows begin.

“I really like Boy George – everything about him. He’s always in a good mood,” Francis said.

TheVoice screens tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 9.

 ?? Picture: MIKE BATTERHAM ?? Russel Francis pictured at his day job as a stuntman at Movie World, and right, competing on The Voice.
Picture: MIKE BATTERHAM Russel Francis pictured at his day job as a stuntman at Movie World, and right, competing on The Voice.

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