Australian Princess

Australian Princess
Created by Granada Productions
Presented by Jackie O
Judges Paul Burrell
Jane Luedecke
Jean Broke-Smith
Country of origin Australia
Production
Running time 60 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel Network Ten
Original run 5 October 2005 – 2007

Australian Princess is an Australian reality television show that first premiered on Network Ten on 5 October 2005. It is produced by Granada Productions, who are responsible for other programs such as Dancing with the Stars, Australia's Next Top Model, and Merrick and Rosso Unplanned. It is an Australian version of American Princess.

The show is also aired in the United Kingdom on ITV2, in Finland on SubTV, in Canada on W Network, in the United States on WE: Women's Entertainment, in the Middle East on MBC 4, and in Belgium on Vitaya.

The contestants have been judged by Paul Burrell, Jane Luedecke (sister of Sarah, Duchess of York) and Jean Broke-Smith since its inception along with various other guest judges. The two series of the show were hosted by Jackie O.

Overview

Fuelled by the fairy tale story of Mary Donaldson who, in 2004, married Denmark’s heir to the throne, Crown Prince Frederick, Australian Princess scoured the country to find 12 young Australian women and give them the journey of their lives.

Paul Burrell, former butler to Diana, Princess of Wales and footman in the Royal Household of Queen Elizabeth II, led a team of international experts, who attempted to shape these ordinary 'Aussie' girls into worldly sophisticated women ready to handle the challenges of being a young royal. The contestants took classes, met challenges and attempted to convince the judges that they have what it takes to mix in elite social circles both in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Cast

Host

Judges

Series one

The first season of Australian Princess was aired in late 2005 on Network Ten. Despite initial critical cynicism of the program's concept, it quickly gained cult status and was praised for the quality of its production, witty and often cringe-induced humour (one recalls a contestant's sobbing lament of the deaths of two icons she held dear - Diana, Princess of Wales, and Tupac Shakur).

Ally Mansell from the University of Wollongong and Danebank was announced the winner during the final show, which was aired in Australia on 23 November 2005. She was crowned a "princess" in the finale and won a prize package including a hand gilded tiara and the chance to be escorted to a gala ball by a real life Prince Charming in the United Kingdom.

The first series was released on DVD on 12 December 2005.

Contestants

Both winner and runner up Australian Princesses, Ally Mansell and Wendy Slack-Smith, later appeared as contestants on the game show Friday Night Games.

Guest appearances

Series two

The second season was broadcast during the summer of 2006/07.

Contestants

After the series Kylie Booby and Stephanie Jenkinson were also seen at the New Years Eve 2006 celebration in Sydney. Jenkinson is now a radio announcer on Nova 91.9 from 7pm-10 pm week nights.

External links