Locals tackle Television survival

Zac Franich puts on his dancing shoes in his latest television appearance. The Rock’s Roger Farrelly hopes fans will help him go far in Dancing with the Stars.

Three locals feature in two very different television shows – one all about survival and another more about staying upright on the dance floor.

Both require being judged and potentially eliminated.

Brad Norris of Stanmore Bay is a PE and Health teacher at Orewa College as well as playing for Hibiscus Coast Cricket’s premier team. The 27-year-old says he was a big fan of the American Survivor, and decided “off the cuff” to apply for the NZ version, which began screening on TVNZ last week. He was blown away to get onto the show.

When Hibiscus Matters spoke with him, he had just watched the first episode that featured a mud wrestling challenge.

He says as well as the challenges, the 40°C days and cold nights, being away from home and the minimal food made Survivor one of the hardest things he’s ever done. He says it was the challenge that he signed up for – “definitely not the chance to see myself on TV!”

Brad grew up in Nelson and loves the outdoors “and doing all things Bear Grylls”. He says his students are asking him a lot of questions about the show.

Also no doubt being quizzed by the young people he coaches is Orewa Surf Lifesaving’s head coach Zac Franich, 29, who appears on Dancing with the Stars, which began on April 29.

Zac’s first TV role was starring in The Bachelor NZ last year. He says he has little dancing experience but loves a challenge. He has chosen the Live More Awesome Foundation as the charity he will support on the show.

Alongside him is The Rock radio station’s Richard Farrelly, from Orewa. He was put forward for the show by his co-hosts, who say it is “a great opportunity for him to push himself and get fit”.