Edwina Bartholomew and Hamish McLachlan (pictured above) have been announced as hosts of Seven’s new event TV program, Australian Spartan.
Commenting on the announcement, Seven’s director of production Brad Lyons, said: “Edwina and Hamish have worked side-by-side on a number of productions, from red carpet events through to Olympics. The chemistry between these two friends, in this big event arena environment, will make for viewing magic.”
A journalist with over 13 years’ experience including sports coverage for the Network, Sunrise presenter Edwina is excited about the challenge ahead.
“Spartan will be next level. The location is incredible; the competitors are world class and the show will be something to behold,” she said. “Expect to see everyone from Olympic and Commonwealth Games athletes, CrossFit champions, marathon runners to workmates and mother’s groups.”
“There is clearly an appetite for good family entertainment,” added Bartholomew. “This will be a show that everyone can sit down, enjoy and cheer-on their favourite team. It will be incredible to watch.”
Joining Edwina on the Spartan course will be Channel Seven sports commentator Hamish McLachlan. Hamish has covered some of the biggest sporting events in Australia and abroad, including the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, The Melbourne Cup Carnival and, since 2008, The Australian Open.
Hamish, who also hosts Seven’s popular AFL Game Day, said Australian Spartan will have audiences on the edge of their seats.
“When I saw the format and the incredible set, I had to be a part of it,” said Hamish. “The course has to be seen to be believed, it will test the toughest of the tough and we will have ringside seats.”
Australian Spartan is a test of strength, speed, agility and endurance in which only a truly unified team can conquer.
Inspired by the world-wide fitness phenomenon ‘Spartan Race’, this is the world’s most demanding physical obstacle course. Teams of three must join forces to race across a specially designed Spartan course engineered to challenge their determination, endurance and will. The extreme obstacles escalate to test the most outstanding athletes in the country. In the end, only one team will rise to become the ultimate Australian Spartans.
With the second hit season of the American format currently broadcast on NBC, the popular competition has also seen a localised version commissioned in Denmark.
Australian Spartan is a Matchbox Pictures and Eureka Productions co-production for Channel Seven.
The format rights for Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge are held by NBCUniversal International Formats and will be distributed worldwide by NBCUniversal International Distribution.
