Photo Courtesy of @studio10au Instagram
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Photo Courtesy of Tristan MacManus Instagram
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Tristan is currently co-hosting Studio 10 (Channel 10 Australia) along with Sarah Harris.
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Interview With Tristan—September 11, 2020
We reached out to Tristan a few days before he takes over as co-host of Studio 10 alongside Sarah Harris, and he graciously agreed to answer more of your questions. Enjoy!
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First of all, congratulations! We’re all very excited to follow this next move in your career.
Can you tell us how you ended up hosting Studio 10? We’ve often talked about you being a natural host, but this is almost too good to be true.
Hey, great to hear from you. And thanks for the good wishes. I’m delighted to be hosting the show. I certainly wasn’t expecting it or aware that it was a possibility before receiving the call, but I’m glad someone thought it may be a good idea to approach me and I couldn’t have been happier to accept it. It was such a quick process between the initial call, the screen test, and then the offer. It’s something I have long admitted was a goal of mine, so I couldn’t be smiling any more now that it’s a reality. I didn’t expect it to be on a show so well established here and the time slot is perfect for the family and kids’ school, which is priority as always.
Take us through what you will be doing now on a daily basis at Studio 10.
Well, the show starts Monday, so it’s not long enough to worry or panic or stress about. Sarah, my co-host, is great I’m really enjoying the opportunity to learn from her and also build a relationship and team alongside her. We have kids the same age, and we share similar interests and come from similar backgrounds. We will basically be bringing stories and events that are worth discussing, hopefully fighting some causes and championing our unsung heroes, and highlighting and entertaining our everyday good people from around the country. That’s blabber for I’m not 100% sure just yet, but I’m going with it!
What do you see as the challenges of hosting a show like this? What are you most looking forward to?
There are many challenges, but it’s something I have been working towards for a long time and certainly following the recent events globally I’m hoping this is the start of the curve for us. We live in uncertain times right now, and sometimes change can be challenging for everyone involved and an audience in general. We face it each season with DWTS, for example, but I’m following on from much loved and familiar hosts and friends so that can be scary for anyone but again I’m not here to replace anyone. I can only do my best at being myself and try my best to entertain as I see fit. Some will like it; some will not. That is the challenge, but it’s the same challenge anyone in a new position faces. I’m just lucky to be given to opportunity to tackle that in a positive way.
On to dancing for a moment…DWTS Australia ended in an unusual way due to Covid-19. What are your thoughts on the show in 2020 and are there plans for it to return in 2021? (Will you be part of it if it returns? Assuming you know or can share that kind of information)
I really don’t know the plans for DWTS. We aren’t in that loop of decision making, but I hope it comes back. I know it’s a sensitive time for everyone. I really enjoy the show and I know there are homes and families across the country that rely on the escapism it offers and the pleasure it offers. I think it’s important that we try uphold that. The show isn’t for everyone, but we try and put a smile on as many faces as possible. I’d still push for a frontline-themed series, but I think we need to try and do our best to support each other however we can do it. Fingers crossed we can come back and I hope I come back but again it’s out of our hands, and Sharna lives in the states and Craig lives in the UK.
We know that Burn the Floor and other shows were cancelled because of Covid-19. That must have been disappointing as you had mentioned how much you were looking forward to being back with Burn the Floor. What are your thoughts on how this pandemic has affected the dance world?
The pandemic has affected the whole world full stop. The confusion and fear have really pulled people apart but, like everything, certain people have also pulled together. It’s affected the whole industry, but there are families and people who have been affected much worse. Let’s just hope a vaccine is closer than we know and people everywhere keep supporting each other and helping each other. We need more unity than ever right now.
Covid-19 has messed with all of us a little. How did you and your family handle being isolated/restricted for some time?
It’s been tough, no doubt, but we do what we can to make the most and best of the situation we are in. We got to spend so much more time with the kids. There was financial strain of the time, but mortgages put on hold helped immensely. Everyone knows this can’t go on forever, and now the next stage is happening. Victoria here are in a completely different situation to NSW here just like other states in America. We still have to be vigilant and rely on those in the know to give us the information we need and can’t find ourselves so that we can keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe—not just the ones who benefit us. While we are still in the midst of it, it’s hard to fully reflect on it but we do our best to keep our kids fear free and happy just like every other family tries to do the best they can.
You were a big part of the DWTS (America) family for six seasons, and things have changed a lot since you left after Season 17. Have you kept up with it at all, and do you have any thoughts on the big changes that have occurred in 2020? (most of all, no Tom Bergeron!)
That is something I can reflect on, and it’s great to see so many friends still doing so well. Everyone involved looks like they want to be there and are happy being there, and that is the most important thing. If they don’t want to do certain things, they leave. It’s simple. I’m not too sure how many from behind the scenes are there from my time, but I wish all success. I see bits and pieces and obviously Farbs and Emma still keep us up to date. Shaz has gone back in this season. There are big changes, yes, but every institution needs to keep evolving or it goes. It will be very strange to see the show without someone like Tom involved as he is the staple more so than dancers who have come and gone, but that is the nature of the business as blunt as that sounds. I wish it nothing but success, and I’m sure Tyra will bring her own magic to it and no doubt give it a new lease of life and a new audience maybe to boot.
Finally, the lightning round…
The last movie you watched
VanDiemen’s Land / Anchorman
The last television show you watched
Morning Wars
The first pro dance that you can think of you were part of on DWTS or SCD
Opening troupe number with Peta, Kiki, Oksana, Nicole, and Teddy
Your best personality trait
Honesty/tolerance
Your worst personality trait
Also honesty
The most amazing things your children have done recently
They look out for each other.
A couple of words for your supporters (yes, we are still here and as feisty as ever)
I hope you are all keeping safe, being smart, and realizing that you are in control only of the way you react to things. I appreciate the continued support and honestly wish you and yours nothing but love and continued support in the pursuit of happiness.
****************
First of all, congratulations! We’re all very excited to follow this next move in your career.
Can you tell us how you ended up hosting Studio 10? We’ve often talked about you being a natural host, but this is almost too good to be true.
Hey, great to hear from you. And thanks for the good wishes. I’m delighted to be hosting the show. I certainly wasn’t expecting it or aware that it was a possibility before receiving the call, but I’m glad someone thought it may be a good idea to approach me and I couldn’t have been happier to accept it. It was such a quick process between the initial call, the screen test, and then the offer. It’s something I have long admitted was a goal of mine, so I couldn’t be smiling any more now that it’s a reality. I didn’t expect it to be on a show so well established here and the time slot is perfect for the family and kids’ school, which is priority as always.
Take us through what you will be doing now on a daily basis at Studio 10.
Well, the show starts Monday, so it’s not long enough to worry or panic or stress about. Sarah, my co-host, is great I’m really enjoying the opportunity to learn from her and also build a relationship and team alongside her. We have kids the same age, and we share similar interests and come from similar backgrounds. We will basically be bringing stories and events that are worth discussing, hopefully fighting some causes and championing our unsung heroes, and highlighting and entertaining our everyday good people from around the country. That’s blabber for I’m not 100% sure just yet, but I’m going with it!
What do you see as the challenges of hosting a show like this? What are you most looking forward to?
There are many challenges, but it’s something I have been working towards for a long time and certainly following the recent events globally I’m hoping this is the start of the curve for us. We live in uncertain times right now, and sometimes change can be challenging for everyone involved and an audience in general. We face it each season with DWTS, for example, but I’m following on from much loved and familiar hosts and friends so that can be scary for anyone but again I’m not here to replace anyone. I can only do my best at being myself and try my best to entertain as I see fit. Some will like it; some will not. That is the challenge, but it’s the same challenge anyone in a new position faces. I’m just lucky to be given to opportunity to tackle that in a positive way.
On to dancing for a moment…DWTS Australia ended in an unusual way due to Covid-19. What are your thoughts on the show in 2020 and are there plans for it to return in 2021? (Will you be part of it if it returns? Assuming you know or can share that kind of information)
I really don’t know the plans for DWTS. We aren’t in that loop of decision making, but I hope it comes back. I know it’s a sensitive time for everyone. I really enjoy the show and I know there are homes and families across the country that rely on the escapism it offers and the pleasure it offers. I think it’s important that we try uphold that. The show isn’t for everyone, but we try and put a smile on as many faces as possible. I’d still push for a frontline-themed series, but I think we need to try and do our best to support each other however we can do it. Fingers crossed we can come back and I hope I come back but again it’s out of our hands, and Sharna lives in the states and Craig lives in the UK.
We know that Burn the Floor and other shows were cancelled because of Covid-19. That must have been disappointing as you had mentioned how much you were looking forward to being back with Burn the Floor. What are your thoughts on how this pandemic has affected the dance world?
The pandemic has affected the whole world full stop. The confusion and fear have really pulled people apart but, like everything, certain people have also pulled together. It’s affected the whole industry, but there are families and people who have been affected much worse. Let’s just hope a vaccine is closer than we know and people everywhere keep supporting each other and helping each other. We need more unity than ever right now.
Covid-19 has messed with all of us a little. How did you and your family handle being isolated/restricted for some time?
It’s been tough, no doubt, but we do what we can to make the most and best of the situation we are in. We got to spend so much more time with the kids. There was financial strain of the time, but mortgages put on hold helped immensely. Everyone knows this can’t go on forever, and now the next stage is happening. Victoria here are in a completely different situation to NSW here just like other states in America. We still have to be vigilant and rely on those in the know to give us the information we need and can’t find ourselves so that we can keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe—not just the ones who benefit us. While we are still in the midst of it, it’s hard to fully reflect on it but we do our best to keep our kids fear free and happy just like every other family tries to do the best they can.
You were a big part of the DWTS (America) family for six seasons, and things have changed a lot since you left after Season 17. Have you kept up with it at all, and do you have any thoughts on the big changes that have occurred in 2020? (most of all, no Tom Bergeron!)
That is something I can reflect on, and it’s great to see so many friends still doing so well. Everyone involved looks like they want to be there and are happy being there, and that is the most important thing. If they don’t want to do certain things, they leave. It’s simple. I’m not too sure how many from behind the scenes are there from my time, but I wish all success. I see bits and pieces and obviously Farbs and Emma still keep us up to date. Shaz has gone back in this season. There are big changes, yes, but every institution needs to keep evolving or it goes. It will be very strange to see the show without someone like Tom involved as he is the staple more so than dancers who have come and gone, but that is the nature of the business as blunt as that sounds. I wish it nothing but success, and I’m sure Tyra will bring her own magic to it and no doubt give it a new lease of life and a new audience maybe to boot.
Finally, the lightning round…
The last movie you watched
VanDiemen’s Land / Anchorman
The last television show you watched
Morning Wars
The first pro dance that you can think of you were part of on DWTS or SCD
Opening troupe number with Peta, Kiki, Oksana, Nicole, and Teddy
Your best personality trait
Honesty/tolerance
Your worst personality trait
Also honesty
The most amazing things your children have done recently
They look out for each other.
A couple of words for your supporters (yes, we are still here and as feisty as ever)
I hope you are all keeping safe, being smart, and realizing that you are in control only of the way you react to things. I appreciate the continued support and honestly wish you and yours nothing but love and continued support in the pursuit of happiness.
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Archived Interviews With Tristan
All of our interviews with Tristan are posted here:
http://www.macmaniacs.org/tristan-interviews
Links to specific interviews are listed below and are also available here:
http://www.macmaniacs.org/archives.html
All of our interviews with Tristan are posted here:
http://www.macmaniacs.org/tristan-interviews
Links to specific interviews are listed below and are also available here:
http://www.macmaniacs.org/archives.html