Qld govt brings Hot Seat north

The Queensland Government has assisted in Nine game show Hot Seat relocating to the Gold Coast in a deal that draws upon existing Logie partnerships.

As first revealed by TV Tonight, the move to Queensland is due to the Stage 4 COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne.

30 episodes will take place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with all-Queensland contestants.

The relocation has been made possible with the support of the Queensland Government, including Screen Queensland, as well as the City of Gold Coast and The Star.

It also sees Eddie McGuire on the Gold Coast where Collingwood players are residing. McGuire will undergo quarantine, but appears tonight on Footy Classified.

But while the Queensland government is luring events north it is also under fire for keeping borders shut to other interests, tourism and business.

Eddie McGuire, said: “In more than 20 years of making Millionaire, this is the first time we’ve taken the show out of Melbourne. I can’t wait to experience the hospitality that Queenslanders are renowned for. And with the AFL bubble based on the Gold Coast, there’s no better place to be as we approach the pointy end of the season. I’m also looking forward to bringing all the news firsthand from the hub for Footy Classified.”

Jessica Mellor, Chief Operating Officer of The Star Gold Coast, said: “The Star has a proud track record of working with the Queensland Government to bring events to the Gold Coast. We were the first major partner of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, became the new home for the Logies, and now welcome another production from Melbourne in Millionaire Hot Seat.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said, “We are so blessed here in Queensland and the Gold Coast to be able to welcome TV and film productions as well as sporting teams to our city during this very tough time, he said. “When I got the call, I said immediately, ‘lock it in, Eddie’.”

Queenslanders can apply here.