They screw up their lines and goof around, so the presenters of The 4.30 Show like to forget they are watched by thousands around the country.
The fresh faces of TV2’s replacement for The Erin Simpson Show like to keep it real on screen. But while it means they can candidly chat in front of the cameras, there is the odd stuff-up which makes it on screen.
“I forget that people are watching it,” 24-year-old Eve Palmer says. “I’m glad because if I thought about that it would be daunting.”
Co-host Mike Lee, who has appeared on Master Chef NZ and was resident chef on The Erin Simpson Show, still finds it weird seeing himself on the box.
“I’ve seen a couple of reruns at 4.40am and I always get a bit of a shock, you can’t get used to it.”
Along with popular young musician Massad Barakat-Devine, aka Massad, the three are tasked with serving the latest celebrity interviews and gossip, cooking creations, art-and-craft projects and other current events to the young teen demographic. In other words, they have the daunting task of replacing the popular Miss Simpson, for whom both Lee and Palmer used to work.
But both are quick to point out the shows’ differences.
“I think this show feels more like we’re at home, sitting in a lounge. We’re trying to get the audience to relate and be relaxed with us.”
Sticking with his chef hat, Lee is responsible for inspiring kids to cook at home, pulling out quick after-school snack recipes for the show’s Maggi Kitchen Showdown segment, which will be coming up later this year.
“We’re encouraging viewers to realise food is not just what you find packaged at the supermarket.”
But Lee’s finding himself having to tone down his choice meals for TV. When out and about, he loves to tuck into alternative concoctions like lamb offal bolognaise or braised pig’s head.
For Palmer, she’s enjoying continuing the role she developed for herself on The Erin Simpson Show, as environment reporter. Palmer’s enjoys filming at such locations as Akaroa Harbour’s new marine reserve, and educating kids about other green initiatives such as Earth Hour. It’s rewarding work, Palmer says.
“When I started on The Erin Simpson Show, not many schools seemed to be including environmental initiatives in their curriculum, but now heaps are doing it.”
Ad Feedback
Another favourite on the show is interviewing teenagers who are doing extraordinary things under the radar, from singers to golf players, circus performers, skiers and even hot air balloonists.
The presenters enjoy the varied work, with filming taking them around the country several times a week on occasions, and late into the night.
As such, the trio try to remain grounded.
“I don’t go out, I’m a nana,” Palmer admits. “I’ll meet my friends for lunch on the weekends and go mountain biking or surfing, that’s where I get my kicks.”
On a rare weekend off, Lee prefers to unwind on the beautiful drive from Christchurch to Dunedin with friends.
Lee and Palmer say it’s an exciting time to be living in Christchurch, where the studio’s based.
“The vibe is one of excitement with Gap Filler projects and new buildings,” Palmer says. “I love the new places going up.”
–
