Storyline continues for WAGs on Playing for Keeps

The siren has not sounded on Melbourne-made footy drama Playing for Keeps, with the series being commissioned for next year, and star Madeleine West plans to consult with more AFL WAGs for inspiration.

The siren has not sounded on footy drama Playing for Keeps, with the series about WAGs being commissioned for next year.

The Melbourne-made show stars Madeleine West, Olympia Valance and Isabella Giovinazzo and recorded consistent viewer numbers this year.

West said it was a nod to female-led storylines.

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“It’s always a surprise because the television industry is such a mercurial beast at the best of times,” West said. “But we knew from the beginning we had a special product.

Madeleine West. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Lisa Wilkinson and Julia Morris. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

“We’re just rapt that a show that is predominantly about women and their relationships with each other has been given another opportunity to explore that world even further and that is such a gift.”

West, a guest at last night’s Ten Upfronts launch, where the announcement was made, said she would consult more AFL WAGs.

“I have been surprised and delighted by the number of WAGs who I’ve spoken to since the series has aired who have all said unanimously, you know what, if there’s a second series, come and see me, have I got a story for you,’’ she said.

Mavournee Hazel. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

“We just thought, how has this show not been done before? It’s got all the elements. This show is kind of like the meat pie of Australian TV. It’s got the gold and glitzy crust, shiny and bright and irresistible, full of meaty goodness, sometimes of dubious origins but with a nice dollop of sauce on top.”

West will divide her time between Byron Bay and Melbourne. “We’re seeing more and more dramas being produced here, which can only be a good thing,’’ she said.

“I’ll be travelling between the two places, which again is a wonderful thing. When you’re working you focus on work and when you’re at home you focus on family and as actors you really have to go where the work is.”

Network 10 head of drama, Rick Maier said: “We’re thrilled that Playing for Keeps has really found its place in the market. This is a show written by women, for women about women — and very deliberately escapist in intent.”

MasterChef judges Matt Preston and George Calombaris. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Also at last night’s program launch at Southbank were MasterChef judges Matt Preston and George Calombaris, The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson and Tommy Little, Blind Date and Sunday Night Takeaway’s Julia Morris, Mr Black’s Stephen Curry and Nadine Garner and Have You Been Paying Attention’s Sam Pang and Tom Gleisner.