Today Show denies Block of Cash giveaway is a ‘scam’

THE wife of a man who found himself unwittingly at the centre of Today show “scam” allegations has staunchly defended her husband.

THE wife of a Woolworths employee from the NSW Central Coast who found himself at the centre of Today show “scam” allegations has staunchly defended her husband.

Josh Huxley scored himself $130,000 on Wednesday when his phone rang and he answered with those five magic words: “I wake up with Today”.

The morning show’s Block of Cash giveaway quickly turned into a controversy when viewers questioned whether the “random call” was set-up in advance.

The speculation was fuelled by how quickly a film crew had burst into the Huxleys’ home.

Today viewer Coralie Allan even launched a change.org petition demanding “Channel 9 should refund all monies to entrants for the I wake up with Today scam”.

In the petition, Ms Allan argued: “A television crew filmed him answering the phone ‘live’ in order to win a major jackpot. This call is supposed to be random. A television crew in presence, in his house belies this claim.”

It should be noted Mr Huxley wasn’t shown on camera answering the phone, the cameras entered his home a short time after.

But on Thursday afternoon, Mrs Huxley told the Mail Online the idea that the winner was pre-determined was “a load of rubbish”.

“We didn’t have a clue about it,” she said. “It’s a competition where you sit in front of the TV and so we were just sitting there like everybody else.

“The only reason the door was open is that I was expecting my grandchildren who come down every morning and then all of a sudden there’s a camera in my face. The last thing I wanted was to be on TV.”

Nine defends Block of Cash giveaway

Earlier, Nine addressed the controversy on Facebook. They posted the clip of Mr Huxley winning and explained:

“In case you’re wondering, we had no idea whether our $130,000 cash call winner was going to pick up the phone today within three rings, and scoop the cash. We had a cameraman waiting outside his home just in case, so we could share the magic with viewers if we got a winner — and it was a big IF.”

The Facebook post continued, explaining it’s “not the first time” the show has waited outside a viewer’s home on the off chance they pick up the call.

“Often they don’t pick up, and the jackpot rolls over to the next call,” the post read.

“On this occasion, Mr. Huxley got lucky, and so did we. We’re delighted to share his joy on national television!”

They also released a statement to news.com.au saying:

“To correct any misinformation and concerns, Nine reaffirms the competition is run in accordance with clearly stated terms and conditions to protect all entrants and ensure fairness in the operations.

“As a live television show, when it is possible to have a crew in the vicinity of the call recipient, and if they answer the call correctly, we are able to capture the reaction as soon as possible.

“Often, the public is unaware of the presence of a crew because the call is not answered in time. When there is a moment of joy to be shared, we endeavour to do so with our viewers.

Locals in Halenkulani where the Huxley’s live told news.com.au they had no doubt the call was “random”.

“I’ve only seen what I’ve seen on Facebook and I can tell you nobody here thinks that, everyone’s supportive,” New Body Fitness owner Mick Jolley said.

Mr Jolley revealed that in the hours after winning the big cash prize, Mr Huxley went about his daily routine, which involved going to the gym.

“He’s here every day, he’s a big fella, probably the biggest in the gym,” he said.

“He’s very quiet, comes in, does what he needs to do and the ‘bye’, so I think all this has caught him off guard a bit.

“I think he’s got a few things he needs, I think his car has had it and that sort of stuff, so we’re all very happy for him.”

While there, Mr Huxley told locals how the phone call happened.

“He told the guys his wife was making coffee and he just heard them say ‘Halekulani’ on the Today show and the next thing his phone was ringing,” Mr Jolley told news.com.au.

“I have never seen the guy anywhere without a hat on and there he was on TV looking like he just got out of bed.”

According to the terms and conditions for the giveaway, Today show’s Block of Cash segment runs until May 18.

During that time, viewers can enter by calling 1902 555 901 (or via SMS on 199 55 901) and leave their full name, address and a telephone number they will be able to be contacted on.

At 5pm AEST each day, the promoter (Nine) will draw entries at random for the hosts to call the next morning.

If the randomly chosen viewer answers the call within three full rings and says, “I wake up with Today (or any alternative phrase as deemed suitable by the Promoter in its absolute discretion)” they win the cash.