Larry Emdur reveals the ‘stress and pressure’ involved with becoming the new host of The Chase Australia after replacing Andrew O’Keefe
The pressure of hosting The Chase Australia is getting to Larry Emdur.
The Morning Show co-host has replaced Andrew O’Keefe as presenter for the series, and his first episode will air next Monday at 5:30pm.
Emdur, 56, spoke to The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday about the importance of the show in Seven’s weekday schedule and the ‘stress and pressure’ involved.
In the hot seat: Larry Emdur has spoken of the ‘stress and pressure’ involved with becoming the new host of The Chase Australia, after replacing Andrew O’Keefe
Emdur said game shows like The Chase are ‘super important’ because they are lead-ins to news bulletins, which are often the highest-rated programs of the evening.
He added that he didn’t make the decision to host the series lightly.
‘We’ve got a beautiful thing happening on The Morning Show, top of the ratings for 14 years and I love working with [co-host] Kylie Gillies and the team,’ he says.
He signed on to take over Andrew O’Keefe’s position in February after Seven refused to renew the latter’s contract amid his legal problems.
Coming soon: Emdur signed on to take over Andrew O’Keefe’s position in February after Seven refused to renew the latter’s contract. The first episode with Emdur as host airs next Monday
O’Keefe, 49, recently had assault charges against him dropped on mental health grounds. According to court proceedings, the former host allegedly had a manic episode when he struck an ex-partner who claims he brought an ice pipe to a party.
Emdur said he was thrilled to have an ‘opportunity to jump on a bus like this,’ but admitted the main thing in the back of his mind was that he didn’t want to ‘stuff it up’.
‘I am absolutely nervous about next week,’ he said.
‘I hope people continue to enjoy the show the way that they have over the years and I hope I bring something different to it as well.’
Trouble: O’Keefe (pictured) recently had assault charges against him dropped due on mental health grounds. According to court proceedings, the former host allegedly had a manic episode when he struck an ex-partner who claims he brought an ice pipe to a party
Emdur is no newbie to hosting game shows, having previously hosted The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune.
He recalls how he preemptively asked the producers what ‘type’ of host they wanted, with their response simply being ‘you’.
‘My role is to be the nice guy in the middle and to keep all of the cogs turning. I have been around for so long, people know who I am and what I do and I guess the danger for me is to try and be somebody else,’ Emdur added.
The Chase Australia airs next Monday at 5:30pm on Channel Seven and 7Plus
Experienced: The 56-year-old is no newbie to hosting game shows, having previously hosted The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune
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