Magda Szubanski CONFIRMS she will host The Weakest Link reboot… three years after the death of original ‘mean’ quizmaster Cornelia Frances
Magda Szubanski has been confirmed as the host of Channel Nine’s The Weakest Link reboot.
The Kath & Kim star, 59, released a statement on Tuesday which referenced the infamously cold attitude of her predecessor, the late Cornelia Frances.
‘I’ve pretended to be nice my whole career – now I finally get to play myself,’ said the Babe actress.
Big news: Magda Szubanski has been confirmed as the host of Channel Nine’s The Weakest Link reboot. Pictured here in December 2015
Magda continued: ‘No, I will not be making the contestants look stupid. They’re perfectly capable of doing that themselves.
‘Weakest Link is right up my alley. I love to watch people squirm, and not in a sexy way. I look forward to hosting some of Australia’s best and brightest… just not on this show.’
The mean attitude towards the quiz show’s contestants employed by Frances – and apparently to be continued by Szubanski – was modelled on the original host of the UK version of the show, Anne Robinson.
Magda, who is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Strzelecki in the TV comedy series Kath & Kim, will replace quizmaster Frances following her death from cancer three years ago.
Not so nice? The Kath & Kim star, 59, released a statement on Tuesday which referenced the infamously cold attitude of her predecessor, the late Cornelia Frances. Pictured here in 2015
Meet your new quizmaster: Szubanski, 59, will replace the late Cornelia Frances (right)
The Weakest Link originally aired on Channel Seven from 2001 to 2002.
Last week, TV Tonight reported that a casting notice for a game show with the working title Quizical ‘was believed to be for a new version of The Weakest Link for Nine’.
The casting notice described the project as ‘a quiz show where everyone is invited to play.
‘We are looking for individuals who aren’t afraid to have some fun, have a friendly but competitive nature and who can answer quiz questions or have a good time trying.
Reboot: Last week, TV Tonight reported that a casting notice for a game show with the working title Quizical ‘was believed to be for a new version of The Weakest Link for Nine’. Cordelia is pictured here in a 2001 publicity still from the show
‘The only thing we ask you to bring is a positive attitude and be ready to have some laughs.’
The Weakest Link was based on the UK game show format.
The Aussie version was cancelled after two seasons due to underwhelming ratings.
Tragedy: Cornelia died on May 28, 2018, at the age of 77, following a year-long battle with bladder cancer which eventually spread to her hip and spine. Pictured here in July 2009
Former host Cornelia died on May 28, 2018, at the age of 77, following a year-long battle with bladder cancer which eventually spread to her hip and spine.
The actress is remembered as a TV legend, having appeared in shows such as Home and Away, Prisoner, and Sons and Daughters.
Cornelia was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to the arts.
Talented: The actress is remembered as a TV legend, having appeared in shows such as Home and Away, Prisoner, and Sons and Daughters. Pictured on Home and Away with Judy Nunn (left), Ray Meagher (second from left) and Norman Coburn (right)