The shade was scarce and the heat inescapable when TV WEEK braved the scorching 40- degree day in Queensland to check out the set of Channel Seven’s new reality show Australian Spartan.
As we toured the former oil refinery, the blistering weather did little to diminish the dazzling smile from the face of the show’s co-host, Edwina Bartholomew.
Presumably, it’s because the Sunrise entertainment reporter is busy planning her wedding to her long-time partner and fellow journalist, Neil Varcoe.
The couple, who have been together for six years, got engaged in April last year on their country estate in Lithgow in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.
Since she announced her engagement, she’s been inundated with questions about the big day. Instead of shying away from the topic, the presenter welcomes the interest.
“I’ve grown up with Sunrise viewers over the last 15 years, and they’ve been so supportive and incredibly beautiful since we got engaged,” she smiles.
“We’re being very open about it, and we’ll be sharing [wedding] photos in the way we want to share them.”
But Edwina reveals she and her fiancé initially kept their happy news under wraps – for a while, at least.
“We kept the news to ourselves for about a week,” she says. “It was easier because we were on the farm – you put your phone in a drawer when you get there and don’t pick it up until you leave.”
She explains the couple did share their news with their close friends and family.
“But my mum ended up telling more people than we did!” she laughs.
The happy couple are thrilled to be getting hitched.
From organising the venue and guest list to finding the perfect dress, planning a wedding can be both an exhilarating and stressful affair for those involved. But Edwina is taking it all in her stride.
“I’m a pretty organised person in my day-to-day life, so that’s helped,” she says. “We locked in the key things early on – caterer, photographer and dress. Now we have to execute it on the day. I hope I haven’t forgotten something!”
The lovebirds, who’ll tie the knot on their property, Warramba, just outside Lithgow, are determined to enjoy their big day and celebrate their love.
“A lot of couples forget that it’s not just about the wedding, but also about the marriage,” she says. “We’re conscious about taking a few moments on the day to spend time together at our wedding.”
Despite mingling daily with famous faces, Edwina insists her special day is a low-key affair with family and friends.
But her famous colleagues David “Kochie” Koch, Samantha Armytage, Mark Beretta and Natalie Barr are likely to be in attendance. Just don’t expect to see them in the spotlight.
“I don’t think Kochie’s actually asked about being the emcee, but maybe this can be the way we break it to him – delicately in print!” she laughs.
