My Telly HEAVEN!
Alison Hammond takes the lead as host of the popular animal-rescue series…
As a new, extended episode of much-loved series Bluey premieres this week, Melanie Zanetti – the voice behind Bluey’s mum Chilli Heeler – reveals the TV shows she loves to chilli out with…
What’s it like working on
Working on a show with truly brilliant writing that puts such beautiful messaging into the world is just the best. So many people – with or without kids – have told me what a positive impact Bluey’s had on their lives.
Tell us the last show you binged…
I just revisited Fleabag – season two is possibly the most perfect TV ever. More recent shows are The Fall Of The House Of Usher and Succession
– both are incredible…
Which comedy shows do you enjoy?
I love Parks And Recreation, New Girl [starring Zooey Deschanel], Brooklyn Nine-Nine and [horror spoof] What We Do In The Shadows. I just started watching [US docu-reality series starring comedian Nathan Fielder] Nathan For You, which is both hilarious and stressful to watch!
How about your favourite shows growing up?
I loved the BBC’s Pride And Prejudice. My sisters and I can quote large portions of that series verbatim. I also loved Australian kids’ shows Ocean Girl and Spellbinders. I remember watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, too.
What’s your favourite kind of show to relax and unwind with?
I think The Great British Bake Off might be one of the loveliest, soothing shows of all time. I also watch Queer Eye if I’m overtired and want a happy cry.
Is there a TV personality who particularly inspires you?
I think Jon Stewart from The Daily Show is an incredible human – he pierces the heart of the matter through humour and a commitment to the truth.
If you could be in any series, which would you choose?
I love a period piece, so probably Peaky Blinders, or any Austen or Brontë. There’s also a wonderful series called Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell – a period piece with a touch of dark magic!
Which show do you think might be a favourite of Chilli’s?
I think she’d have loved to watch the Australian women’s football team – the Matildas – in the 2023 women’s world cup. They played valiantly and really galvanised a nation. I think Chilli would have been into that.
Catch
special (a BBC Studios/ABC co-commission) on Disney+ from Sunday 14 April
Alison Hammond heads to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home as the new host of the awardwinning series, replacing the late Paul O’Grady in assisting the centre’s expert staff and volunteers to find the animals in their care new homes. And Alison is clearly relishing her chance to help…
“Every time I go to Battersea it’s like I’m having a therapy day, because it’s one of the most beautiful days you could imagine!” she cheers. “It’s just lovely finding out the stories,
now! When I was off work for a month, I actually asked if I could have Nelly at home with me, but she already had a new home. Next time I’m off, I’ll foster dogs from Battersea.”
Making the series has been an awakening for Alison, who admits that there were things about Battersea she didn’t know prior to filming…
“The amount of hard work that goes into getting the dogs to a stage that they can find their forever homes: I was so impressed with that,” she beams. “And the cattery! Each cat is in a hotel-style room, with toys, a bed, blankets and something to climb on. I was so amazed by how the whole place is run, how clean it is and the volunteers who give their time. They even sit in the kennels and read to the dogs – and the dogs absolutely love it!”
8.25AM
Hi, Katie! What are you most looking forward to about series three? I’m excited to meet new people, and I’m hoping we can invite some old guests back. You never really stop fangirling over the guests! Compared with some other projects I do, like where I’m in America in a maximum security jail, being on a nice pink sofa with a coffee and a celebrity is rather lovely!
Previously your show was just on Sunday – what do you think also having a Saturday show will bring? I’m really excited that it might bring an additional audience. The Saturday show will be more action-packed – on Sunday, everyone’s more chilled, so the shows will have different content.
And on Saturdays you’ll be talking about fitness and wellness trends…
Yes, that’s been important to me all my life. Everyone has different limitations to health and fitness due to finances, disabilities, lifestyle and so on, but it’s always helped me feel in control of my mental health, so I’m passionate about it being a really good choice that we can all make.
Tell us about your Sunday Shoutouts…
Yes – I have such a good Instagram following: people are always tagging me in their stories of adversity, success, happiness, and I have a lovely timeline of wonderful achievements. So I thought it would be nice to share my positive timeline with the viewers.
Have you learnt any new crafting skills in doing Creative Corner?
I mean, I love doing all these things, but I’m not actually good! Because I’m a bit busy and all over the place, crafting centres me and makes me concentrate on one thing. I think that’s why I’m passionate about the morning crafts, as it’s not about being really talented – it’s about what it does for you…