’It was emotional and amazing’: Abbey Way’s tears over House Rules
Seven sports presenter Abbey Way admits she’s shed a few tears watching House Rules at home. But even as the co-host of the reality renovation show’s new season, the waterworks haven’t stopped.
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Watching House Rules from the safety of her couch at home, Seven sports presenter, Abbey Way admits she has previously shed a secret tear or 20 over the life-changing reality renovation series.
Now that she’s co-hosting the new season, alongside lifestyle TV veteran Jamie Durie, she tells TV Guide/Watch, the waterworks haven’t stopped.
“I try to do as much of it [crying] off camera as possible, but I’m a real feeler,” she says, with a laugh.
“When you see these people who have always dreamt of a home renovation or even when we gave out the grand prize, I’ve never been in a situation where you watch someone’s lives change in an instant. It was really emotional and amazing,” she says.
Taking over the reigns from former host, Joh Griggs, who stepped back from the series at the end of last year to cut back on her travel away from her own home, Way is following in the former Olympic and Commonwealth Games swimmer turned sports broadcaster’s steps.
Way, who plays a sideline role for Seven’s coverage of AFL, racing and Big Bash League, has looked to Griggs for inspiration as she makes the leap to her first major prime-time presenting role; ahead of both stars heading to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 for the network.
“Joh is like a superwoman, she’s just amazing. She’s been such a wonderful guide for me, even though she’s left us with big shoes to fill.”
The renovation contest has been one of the few productions to have made all episodes of their new season and have them in the can before the coronavirus hit and shut down filming.
Way is excited to be part of a show that could offer viewers escapism and relief from the stresses of the world today.
“It’s obviously a really trying time for everyone but this is a show that’s feel-good, family-friendly and changes people’s lives. It’s just going to be just a wonderful escape for people and bring some joy to families at home.”
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Married to racing commentator Ben Way, the effervescent Perth-born presenter has caught the renovation bug – albeit with one catch.
“We’re in Bondi and we’re renting, so I don’t know if a full reno is going to be welcomed by our landlord,” Way giggles.
“But [interior designer and new judge] Kyly [Clarke] is a sweetheart, and I can’t wait for everyone to see how incredible she is in that new role. I will certainly be pouring her a glass of wine, when this [lockdown] is all over and see how many mates’ rates I can get in on.
Watch House Rules: High Stakes at 7pm, Monday April 6, on Channel Seven