While he may not have taken out the Celebrity Treasure Island trophy earlier this year, Matty McLean thinks he’s scored an even better prize – the Woman’s Day TV Personality of the Year gong!
The beloved Breakfast presenter had glassy eyes when he sat down with us, just moments after taking out the honour at the annual Huawei Mate30 Pro New Zealand Television Awards.
“I’m honestly still a bit shocked!” confesses Matty. “I started at TVNZ when I was 20 and I walked in the door, not knowing what I was doing and having major imposter syndrome – now I’m here! It’s a real honour, especially because it was voted for by the fans.”
What made it even more special for Matty, 33, was his colleague and last year’s recipient, Hayley Holt, 39, presented him with the trophy. “He’s the best person I could hand this award over to,” Hayley said. “I’m stoked for him; he deserves it. We have all of the personality on Breakfast!”
Matty, too, was equally proud of Breakfast‘s success in the personality stakes. “The fact that two Breakfast hosts have now won back-to-back – well, we’re clearly doing something right!” he boasts.
Matty has a shout out for partner Ryan Teece, 27. “Thanks for putting up with me and my personality!”
While he managed to keep his emotions together on the night, fans know Matty is no stranger to crying in public after he famously broke down in tears on TVNZ 2’s Celebrity Treasure Island trying to prove his worth to Olympic gold medallist Barbara Kendall.
So the million dollar question – has Matty finally done enough to win the sport star’s approval?
Laughing, he says, “I love Barbara; the dust is settled and everything is fine. But I truly believe you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone in life – let alone Barbara!”
Best-dressed screen style
Our local stars shine on the pink carpet. Here are our picks for the most dazzling looks.
Seven Sharp presenter Hilary Barry shone in Trelise Cooper and former Shortland Street star Teuila Blakely dazzled in Glamour Boutique.
New mum Samantha Hayes managed her first night out away from darling new baby Marlow.
Danielle Cormack took out the Best Actress award for Fresh Eggs – but she almost didn’t make the event! Somewhere between a trip from Los Angeles to Australia, she lost her passport and was at the airport at the crack of dawn to get a new one, before struggling to find a flight, then when she did, it was delayed.
Arriving at the awards when they were already underway, the humbled 48-year-old was thrilled to win, although it was tinged with sadness.
“It means so much because first and foremost I was nominated with the beautiful Nancy Brunning, who passed away recently,” says Danielle of her former Shorty co-star. “So this is her award.”
Another glad to get her hands on a gong was comedy legend Anika Moa, 39, who took out Best Entertainment Presenter. She won the same title last year but was pregnant with daughter Marigold at the time.
“I went home and was grumpy!” she laughs, adding that this year she’s relieved to be able to have a celebratory drink.
Shortland Street won the Legend Award – the first time the honour has gone to a show rather than an individual.
The red carpet was filled with both past and present talent of the iconic soap, including popular duo Mr and Mrs Warner, Angela Bloomfield and Michael Galvin.
“It’s a terrific and wonderful recognition to all of the people who make it,” Michael, 52, gushed, adding, “And also to all of the people who watch it, so good on you!”
Westside took out the gong for Best Drama. New parents Antonia Prebble and Dan Musgrove enjoyed the chance to dress up, with Dan joking his Zambesi suit was “much lighter than the front pack I’ve been wearing today.”
Stars of The Casketeers Francis and Kaiora Tipene were thrilled to take home the award for Best Original Reality Series.
Wellington Paranormal star Mike Minogue scooped the award for Best Actor.
