Smashdown !, Nine’s new high-energy sports game show for children, is launching just in time to be the ultimate school holiday boredom buster
Host Andy Sunderland and comedy commentary duo Michael Balk (Glen Goosebump) and Briana Goodchild (Glenda Goosebump) will be joined by sporty kid-competitors to find Australia’s No.1 junior all-rounder.
Hosting a children’s sport show comes naturally to larrikin Andy Sunderland, 28, a favourite from The Blockin 2016 and a roving reporter on Nine’s Kids’ WB. Sunderland will give viewers an all-access pass to the most interactive sports venue on the planet – featuring all-star-athlete cameos, off-the-wall physical challenges, and an amazing feast of sports trivia.
“SMASHHDOWN! is the ultimate fast-paced sports game show for kids. It’s full of fun and I can’t wait to see who our first champion will be. Make sure you tune in to beat those school holiday boredom blues,” said Sunderland.
Michael Balk is best known for playing Scrapboy in ABC’s dirtgirlworld and appearing in BrainBuzz, the local kids production from Nine’s Mt Coot-tha studios that hit 9Go! nationally earlier this year.
“I am thrilled to be working on SMASHHDOWN! It’s such an exciting new show with a stellar format: from the locker room to the lab, from the field to the laundry, no area of sport is off limits, so strap yourself in for a smashhing good tournament,” he said.
Briana Goodchild is an exciting new talent for the Nine Network. With acting experience in television commercials and behind-the-camera credits for production companies, Briana is set to stun audiences with her quick wit and talent.
“Stepping out from behind the camera and into the role of Glenda Goosebump has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Working alongside a seasoned professional like Michael Balk to bring our comedy commentator roles to life has been hilariously funny, and I can’t wait for kids across Australia to join in on the laughs,” she said.
Sunderland will lead a talented team of comedy characters and real-life sports stars in SMASHHDOWN!Stadium, with the first week of episodes featuring New Zealand international rugby league player Alex Glenn, Aussie Diamond Gretel Tippett and Firebird Mahalia Cassidy, Aussie Rules rising star Alex Witherden, and Brisbane Roar winger Daniel Leck.
SMASHHDOWN! BEGINS WEEKDAYS ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, AT 8.00AM ON 9GO! AND 9NOW
