Australia’s top TV presenters are rumoured to be on annual salaries of up to $2.3million.
But what are they really like to work with?
From a no-nonsense perfectionist to a ‘freebie lover’, here’s how the nation’s most famous faces reportedly act behind the scenes.
What it’s REALLY like working for Australia’s biggest TV stars: Industry insiders reveal how the likes of Karl Stefanovic (left, with Sylvia Jeffreys) and others treat staff behind the scenes
Industry insiders spoke about their experiences of working with well-known TV stars in a feature published by New Idea on Monday.
Grant Denyer
He may be one of the most vertically-challenged media personalities, but Grant Denyer makes up for it with his big personality on and off screen.
Big personality! Those who have worked closely with Grant Denyer say he often organises fun adventures for the cast and crew to celebrate the end of their busy filming schedules
Those who have worked closely with Grant say he often organises fun activities for the cast and crew to celebrate the end of filming.
A source said: ‘He adds a lot to meetings with his opinions and new approaches to interviews and game shows.
‘You never know what he will come up with next.’
‘He is very particular about good lighting to make him look young’: While inside sources say Dr. Chris Brown is quite shy and friendly when the cameras stop rolling, the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! host is apparently concerned with the way he appears on on screen
Dr. Chris Brown
Dr. Chris Brown is a veterinarian by trade and became a popular TV presenter after rising to fame on Bondi Vet in 2009.
While sources say he is shy yet friendly when the cameras aren’t rolling, the 41-year-old I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! host is apparently quite image-conscious.
‘He is very particular about good lighting to make him look young and is always well groomed,’ an insider claimed.
She’s no diva! A source close to Carrie Bickmore said that she’s sometimes perceived as a ‘snob’, because she rarely has time for small talk, is focus on her work, and prefers to spend time with her family. Pictured with Lisa Wilkinson
Carrie Bickmore
While Carrie Bickmore comes off as the sweet girl next door, she is apparently quite reserved and private when she’s not in work-mode.
A source close to Carrie said that she’s sometimes perceived as a ‘snob’, because she rarely has time for small talk, is focus on her work, and prefers to spend time with her family.
The mother of two successfully juggles TV and radio commitments, with the insider claiming that while she is no nonsense she is far from the diva people may think she comes across as.
‘She makes everyone feel special’: Known as Australia’s sweetheart, sources say The Voice judge Delta Goodrem (pictured) makes sure she knows everyone she’s working with by name and genuinely asks questions about their personal lives
Delta Goodrem
Another star who is far from a diva is apparently Delta Goodrem.
Known as Australia’s sweetheart, sources say The Voice judge makes ‘everyone feel special’ on set.
Delta apparently greets every member of the crew by name like an old friend and always has time for chit-chat and to ask about their personal lives.
‘She has a heart of gold’: Tracy Grimshaw may come off as stern and forbidding while hosting Nine’s A Current Affair program, but those who know her best say she is far from hostile and is completely down-to-earth and a big softy
Tracy Grimshaw
Tracy Grimshaw may come off as stern and forbidding while hosting Nine’s A Current Affair program, but those who know her best say she is far from hostile and is completely down-to-earth and a big softy.
Living on acreage property in North Sydney, Tracy apparently prefers to spend her time off with her animals in the countryside, with sources saying she truly has ‘a heart of gold’.
Generous and funny! Sources close to reinstated host Karl Stefanovic say his Aussie larrikin personality isn’t an act, as he always makes people laugh on set and is the first to shout drinks
Karl Stefanovic
Reinstated host Karl Stefanovic is known for being an Aussie larrikin on the Today show, and his workmates say it’s not an act!
According to sources who work with the star on Nine, Karl is constantly cracking jokes on set and ‘makes everybody laugh’. The source also claims he’s quite generous with his large salary packet and often is the first to shout drinks for the team after a long day at work to help let off steam.
Lisa Wilkinson
Lisa Wilkinson, who left Nine’s Today show for The Project on Channel 10 in 2018, is believed to be on one of the highest salaries in the Australian TV industry. She takes her role very seriously according to one source, who says she is always punctual and prepared, and is often the last to leave.
Despite her rumoured $2.3 million salary, Lisa still apparently loves a good freebie while she travels for interviews.
‘If the mini shampoo and conditioner are a good brand, she will put them in her suitcase before she leaves… Lisa loves hotel complimentary products,’ the source claimed to New Idea on Monday.
‘Lisa loves hotel complimentary products’: While Lisa Wilkinson is believed to be on one of the highest salaries in the Australian TV industry, she apparently still loves a good freebie
Sonia Kruger
Sonia Kruger will host of the revamped Big Brother on Channel Seven in June, and while she always plays the bubbly host, she’s apparently quite the perfectionist behind the scenes.
‘She has very high expectations of those she’s working with, from everyone to hair, makeup, and the whole crew… She just doesn’t have time for other people’s mistakes,’ they source claimed.
They also added that Sonia can be quite direct with her no-nonsense approach.
‘She has very high expectations of those she’s working with’: Sonia Kruger (pictured) will host of the revamped Big Brother on Channel Seven in June, and while she always plays the bubbly host, she’s apparently quite the perfectionist behind the scenes