It’s the show reality fanatics have been waiting for. Combining elements of some of the best reality shows on TV, The Challenge is not to be missed.
While the series has a cult following, and 38 seasons in America, it’s the first time the format has come Down Under. It features some of Australia’s most popular reality stars battling it out in terrifying physical challenges whilst living in a villa in Argentina.
At the helm of the show is singer and Fox Footy presenter Brihony Dawson, who goes by they-their pronouns.
”I hadn’t actually seen the show before,” Brihony, 38, admits to TV WEEK.
”When I was approached to host, and finally watched it, the smile on my face just kept growing bigger and bigger. I was like, ‘they want me to host this show in Argentina for five weeks? This is amazing!’
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Brihony is ready to law down the law in The Challenge.
(IMAGE: Channel 10)Stepping into the coveted role, Brihony was determined to make it their own. Instead of just hosting, they weren’t afraid to get to know the contestants and delve into the drama between them.
”Oh, there is plenty of drama,” Brihony chuckles.
”Truthfully, the contestants didn’t know what they’re getting themselves into and how much it would challenge them. It’s not just getting a rose and living in a house, this is hardcore and it gets emotional.
”But I think a lot of them really surprised themselves with what they’re capable of. That’s one of the best parts of the show, seeing these reality stars like you’ve never seen them before.”
While Brihony is not a novice host by any means, their appearance is quite a big deal. In fact, they are the first ever non-binary host on prime time Australian TV.
”I didn’t realise until I was announced and went, wait, am I? Has no one done this before? Holy s**t! That’s absolutely huge,” they exclaim.
”I hope everyone can just see that I’m just a person, like them, and we can all have these conversations, actually live together and try to understand each other.”’
(IMAGE: Instagram)With an emphasis on the importance of diversity within the media, it’s an exciting step for free to air television, and Brihony is overjoyed to be using their platform for good.
”I am so ecstatic to be that person, and use my platform to be visible for not only younger people but anyone who has any questions for their gender identity and expression,” they share.
”Over the years we’ve become okay with the spectrum of sexuality as a society, but when it comes to gender people are like, what does that mean? There’s still a lot of learning to do, and that’s why I want to be visible and have these conversations in big public spaces.”
But what does Brihony hope we learn by watching them on the show?
”I’m just a human, like everyone else,” they say.
”I hope everyone can just see that I’m just a person, like them, and we can all have these conversations, actually live together and try to understand each other.”
