‘Pretty content’: Andy Lee reveals update on wedding plans to Rebecca Harding

Stepping away from opening a New York pub, selling dim sims and penning best-selling children’s books, comedian Andy Lee says there is one crucial thing his fiance can do to make him content on their wedding day.

Rebecca Harding and Andy Lee at the Logies. Picture: James Gourley/Getty Images

What does a typical weekend look like for you?

Well, Bec (fiancee Rebecca Harding) insists that I watch as much footy as possible, particularly the Carlton game and also try to fit in golf. I’m pretty sure that’s what she wants.

Favourite types of venues to catch up with friends?

Pubs. So much so that we went and built our own.

Best show or series you’ve watched recently?

The Day of the Jackal. Enough action and espionage for me, while Bec swooned over
each and every one of Eddie Redmayne’s outfits.

A book you’ve enjoyed?

Do Not Open This Book It Stinks. It sits perfectly for my level of intellect and is a real page turner. Although, I may be biased.

A still from the new ABC show, Do Not Watch This Show, by Andy Lee.

What prompted you to write Do Not Open This Book?

It was a gift for my sister and her firstborn child George. There was only ever meant to be one book printed as a present for my nephew’s first birthday.

Why do you think it worked so well?

Because kids (and adults) enjoy doing the opposite of what they are told. It’s fun to cheekily defy authority from time to time. A note to parents though: if it comes too easily to your child, watch out for them in their teens.

And how did that lead to Do Not Watch This Show?

It felt like the natural next step for me because of my love for television. I really couldn’t wait for the chance to bring the characters to life.

Andy Lee.

You have a diverse range of business interests. What prompted the idea of Old Mates Pub in New York?

The last Australian pub in NYC closed in 2020. When Hamish (Blake) and I did Gap Year there in 2011, there were six Aussie venues. It didn’t seem right that our country wasn’t represented in the most famous city in the world. There needed to be a safe haven for travelling Aussies to get a slice of home.

What else do you have coming up business wise?

The most unusual venture of mine is Dimmies and Tinnies. During covid, myself and three friends were musing about creating a premium dim sim that used top-shelf ingredients. We didn’t realise it would take five years to get it right. After a bunch of fun pop-ups at different venues, D&T Dimmies are now available in Coles around the country for everyone to try.

How are your home renovations progressing?

Slowly. Only a year and a half to go. Having said that, the animation series took around six years from inception so I’m used to being patient. Hamish keeps asking when his Melbourne accommodation will be ready so I do feel the pressure.

Andy Lee and Rebecca Harding Picture: Instagram

And wedding plans?

Now the animation is finished, I can turn my mind from cast lists to guests lists. Bec is grateful to have me back so we’ll turn our attention towards that over the coming
months. As long as Bec is there on the day, I’ll be pretty content.

Do Not Watch This Show is screening on ABC iview now

Originally published as ‘Pretty content’: Andy Lee reveals update on wedding plans to Rebecca Harding