Behind The Scenes
RHONDA BURCHMORE The long-time stage and screen star has a new gig!
Never one to blend into a crowd, Rhonda Burchmore is about to do just that as she joins a 100-strong judging panel on All Together Now. You must be approached to go on reality shows all the time? What attracted you to this one? It ticks all the right boxes for entertainment and talent value. My best friend Lara Mulcahy is also on the panel and we’re a commentating duo for a section called Snoop Chat, where we share our thoughts about the performers, which will prove fairly amusing! What gets you standing up during a performance? For me it’s the complete package – energy, It factor and entertainment value. I’ve been around a long time in the business and some of these people I’d never seen before. They put on an extraordinary performance that sometimes gets 100 judges standing, which is quite amazing to see. Ronan Keating is captain of the 100 – what’s he like? Ronan is adorable – fun and a really good bloke. I said I was his “ranga sister” – because of the red hair. I think the producers got it really right with Julia [Zemiro] as host and Ronan as captain. They’re key to the show being a success. Who’s the toughest judge to impress? Most of the 100 are really good and honest but a few don’t have the experience to make the critiques they were giving. Who is your biggest cheerleader? Long-term, my husband [Dr Nikolai Jeuniewic]. I credit him with my longevity in this business. It’s a hard industry to stick with and I’ve been in it t for 30-odd years. My daughter r Lexie, 23, is my biggest fan. I pity anyone who gives me a hard time because she’s the first one – on social media – to protect her mummy. Will you ever slow down? I look at my pin-up girls, like Madonna, Cher, Bette Midler… … all those who are still doing it at a certain age – it’s very inspiring. If health permits I’m going to be one of those girls. Just because you’re a certain age doesn’t mean you have to o clock off doing what you love! ALL TOGETHER NOW Premieres Sunday, October 7, 7pm, Seven
‘Ronan is adorable – I said I was his “ranga sister”’