Saturday Schoolies: behind the scenes

Move over Dr, Chris & Julia, Africa has a new TV star on the horizon: Ranger Raymond.

The smiling Ranger Raymond steps up to assist host Scott Tweedie in Saturday Schoolies, as the I’m a Celebrity cast try their luck in ‘Australia’s number 1 African outdoor classroom gameshow.’

Tweedie tells TV Tonight, “Raymond has been a security guard on the national park gate for the last 5 seasons of I’m A Celeb. Every single car that drives through his gates, whether it’s 2pm or 2am, gets a salute and smile the size of South Africa.

“When I’m A Celebrity Saturday Schoolies was being developed, we knew we needed a local legend and co-host who could make the celebrities smile.

“’m A Celebrity is a tough gig for them, every element is put to the test, so when they come to the classroom – we want them to have a jammed packed 60 minutes of good times. And Raymond is the captain of good times.

“He lives 40 minutes away in small village with his wife and 4 kids – and they are stunned that their Dad has become a Saturday night super star.”

Saturday Schoolies is as lean a production as they come with a team of just 3, but plenty of no-frills hijinks and classroom mayhem.

If this keeps up could Ranger Raymond be a contender for Best New Talent at the Logies?

“I am very grateful for the opportunity, and learning more every week. I’m getting more and more confident thanks to Scotty, Mr Dan and Mr Aj (two writers and producers), this is the biggest thing to happen to my life. And I will miss my brothers when they go back to Australia,” joked Raymond.

I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here: Saturday Schoolies airs 7pm Saturday on 10.