By Melissa Coleman
Last night, Stanthorpe’s Bree Tomasel won the most popular TV personality of the year at the New Zealand Television Awards, and in true Bree style, she admitted to feeling rather dusty this morning.
Despite coming up against some pretty stiff competition, her work on TVNZ’s Celebrity Treasure Island secured the victory against some huge names in Kiwi media, including Hilary Barry.
“When they announced my name, I wondered if they were sure, had they got it right,” Tomasel laughed.
“Someone who is a radio broadcaster by trade getting acknowledged in the TV space is amazing.”
“It was an incredible feeling, better than my birthday,” she said.
Tomasel started her career in radio after leaving her hometown of Stanthorpe to pursue further education.
She anchored several programs in Brisbane at NOVA 106.9 and on the central coast of New South Wales before being ‘poached’ by the National Drive Show in New Zealand four years ago.
While still holding the fort as a radio host at ZM, Tomasel branched out into television.
“I received a pity invite to come and audition for the host role for Celebrity Treasure Island. I’d never done television before and never expected to get it,” Bree said.
“But I did, and here we are four seasons later. The fifth season will be shot next year.”
Anyone who has had an interaction with Tomasel knows her love of taking the piss and roasting her friends and international allies.
Her vivacious personality won the heart of Channing Tatum, who is rumoured to be lunching with the Aussie personality at her home in Australia at Christmas time.
When questioned about this, Tomasel said we can all dream for free.
“We’re going to set him a place at the table. Mum has extended him an invite, so your guess is as good as mine.”
Tomasel’s philosophy is never say never, and with her star shining bright, a movie audition is the next goal on the horizon.
“That would blitz my bucket list.”
“If that ever happened, I’d feel like I would have reached every goal imaginable,” she said.
The awards took place at Auckland’s Shed 10.
