Celia Pacquola has only one regret about hosting the revived Thank God You’re Here – she now can’t walk through the iconic blue door.
“We’ve talked about it, but no matter how real we made it, there’s no way that the audience wouldn’t think I was in on it,” she tells TV WEEK. “Part of me wishes I’d done it back in the day.
“It’s like we build a personalised roller-coaster for comedians, it lasts for 10 minutes and never gets used by anyone else.”
The Rosehaven and Utopia actor jumped at the chance to again send Australia’s funniest people – which last season included Aaron Chen, Julia Zemiro, Ross Noble, Hamish Blake and Kitty Flanagan – on to that roller-coaster. And not just to escape her toddler daughter.
Celia’s deftly balancing our chat, while 21-month-old Eleanor is jumping in puddles in the park.
“I tell you – headphones are the greatest gift to motherhood,” the comedian-actor-writer shares with TV WEEK. “It means you can do both – you can be out here in nature with her, while talking to you at the same time.”
Hosting the revival of the popular series which originally ran from 2006-2009 with Tom Gleisner at the helm was a dream gig for the 41-year-old. Celia believes this season is 17.5 per cent better.
“It’s as much fun but we’ve lost the fear of having to prove ourselves and the not knowing if the world wants it back,” Celia says. “So, really everyone can breathe out and just focus on making the most fun, ridiculous TV show possible.”
While she can’t give much away about the second season of the improv comedy show she can share “they just keep finding new ways to be bigger and bolder and more crazy”.
Celia also confirms her spectacular suits are back, and hints she’ll likely don one to stroll the red carpet at the TV Week Logies later this month. She’s beyond excited to be in the room to watch her good friend, host Sam Pang “do his thing again”, but is less enthusiastic about her chances of taking home the TV Week Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy for her role in ABC’s Utopia.
“I’m so excited for (Utopia creator and co-star) Rob Sitch to be nominated (in the complementary male category) and for Thank God You’re Here (for Best Comedy Program) but I personally don’t have a chance and that’s fine,” she laughs.
Celia will prepare a speech – just in case. Just to ensure she’s not completely floored as she was with her shock 2016 AACTA win for best guest or supporting role for her dramatic turn in ABC mini-series The Beautiful Lie.
“It was the worst speech. I think I opened by saying I stepped on Rachel Griffiths’ foot on the red carpet – like, I had nothing,” she recalls.
After a hectic year including a stand-up show, Celia’s not sure what’s next. But she’s trying to manifest is another meaty drama role.
“I’ve done one drama – it went well, and I want another one,” she shares. “Where’s my gritty cop role? Give me another drama.”
TV WEEK Logie nominated series, Thank God You’re Here, premieres on Wednesday August 14 at 7.30pm on Ten and 10Play.
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