Sonia Kruger is often dubbed the hardest-working woman in showbiz – a perception based on the number of TV shows the Channel Seven star fronts. But is this a misnomer?
“I’ve worked a full two months this year,” the 57-year-old says with a laugh. “Honestly, I didn’t do anything for the first six months of the year. I try to keep it on the down-low because I don’t want to alert my bosses to the fact I have any free time.”
The truth is, when she’s working – lately Sonia’s been shooting Dancing With The Stars and The Voice – she’s very busy. Most days she is required to be on stage, smiling down a camera lens for long, exhausting hours.
Sonia Kruger is nominated for Gold for a second year. (Image: Paul Suesse)
Sonia is the first to admit her work ethic was instilled in her and her siblings by their parents, growing up in Toowomba, in Queensland.
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“I had a part-time job when I was 13, worked in a fruit shop, then I worked at Coles,” she recalls. “My parents drummed into me that rewards don’t come unless you put the work in. You create your own luck.
“And I do feel I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been privileged to be given the opportunity to host these shows which are global franchises They’re big investments by the network.”
Sonia started her career in showbiz as a ballroom dancer, famously portraying Tina Sparkle in hit Aussie film, Strictly Ballroom, before moving to television. Growing up, Sonia and her sister watched Young Talent Time, and emulated a pair of very famous siblings.
“We dreamt of being the Minogue sisters (Kylie and Dannii),” Sonia says. “We would copy their routines.”
Sonia shot to fame following her performance in Strictly Ballroom.
For the second time in as many years, Sonia is vying for the TV WEEK Gold Logie for presenting The Voice, Dancing With The Stars: All Stars and Big Brother. She’s also up for the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter.
“I thought the first year (nominated) was an anomaly,” Sonia says. “But it means more this time. I know what to expect and I can enjoy it a bit more.”
She’s thrilled the three women up for Gold – herself, Julia Morris and Leigh Sales – are more than 50-years-old. It’s proof, she says, “women can have long, fulfilling careers where experience is highly-regarded”.
“Leigh is incredible, Julia Morris is one of the greatest people on TV, as far as I’m concerned. She makes me laugh. I totally get her.
“I would love to see one of the girls take it out. For the sisters out there.”
Sonia hopes “one of the girls” can win the Gold this year. (Image: Paul Suesse)
Always quick with a quip, Sonia admits she often feels a false sense of security as a presenter, believing anything she says which might be a bit spicy for TV can be edited out later.
“Unfortunately, they generally don’t cut it out and then I’m embarrassed at the school pick-up by something that’s come out of my mouth.”
We can’t wait to see what she says at the Logies this year…
