When you tune into Network Ten nowadays, there’s a fairly good chance you’ll encounter Peter Helliar.
The much-loved Melbourne funnyman is already a fixture on our screens as a co-host of The Project.
Now, he’s embarked on his next major TV role, hosting Network Ten’s new comedy game show Cram!.
If that wasn’t enough, Peter is also working on a top-secret comedy series. Talk about a packed work schedule!
However, Peter admits he hesitated when approached about hosting Cram!.
“They had the concept and came to me. It all happened quite quickly,” he reveals. “To be honest, I wasn’t really looking at cramming anything else into my schedule.”
In particular, it was the genre of the new show that threw Peter.
“I just assumed Grant Denyer would host every game show forevermore – and rightfully so,” he laughs. “So being a game-show host is never something I’d actively chased.”
The comedians and celebs will have to test their memories
“The show is all about memory recall, so the playability is huge,” Peter says. “And the takeaway is great as far as information and fun facts.”
Peter admits that, for him, getting the family’s seal of approval for Cram! was a priority. With his schedule on The Project, he knew that accepting this show would mean sacrificing even more time with his loved ones.
On top of that, Peter has also recently been involved with the new Sunday night edition of The Project.
“My Sundays are normally for family, so that was a big conversation I had to have with my wife Bridget,” he says.
Despite having to sacrifice more family time, the family-friendly nature of Cram! won Peter over.
“This show certainly has that feel-good, family factor,” he says.
Peter adds that viewers might even find themselves outplayed by the youngest members of their household.
Nick Cody, Dr Chris Brown and Dilruk Jayasinha have got their buzzers ready!
“Kids often have better memories than their parents!” he laughs.
Cram! features two teams, made up of a revolving line-up of celebrity and comedy stars.
Big names to look out for include Rove McManus, Miranda Tapsell and Josh Thomas.
However, don’t expect Peter’s co-hosts on The Project, Carrie Bickmore and Waleed Aly, to turn up anytime soon.
“I didn’t invite them [to appear on Cram!]. I see enough of them during the week, to be honest,” he laughs. “But down the track, I’m sure I’ll drag them into the studio to do the show.”
While Carrie and Waleed are supportive of his new venture, Peter knows better than to invite the TV WEEK Gold Logie Award winners onto the show too soon.
“Yeah, I’m like, ‘Back off, guys − this is my chance to finally get that Gold Logie!’” he jokes.
Cram! airs Thursday, 7.30pm on Network Ten.
For the full story, pick up this week’s issue of TV WEEK.
