When Rebecca Gibney was confirmed in September as the new face of Millionaire Hot Seat, replacing longtime host Eddie McGuire, the reaction was unanimous — she was the ideal choice.
After all, she’s one of Australia’s most-loved TV stars, known for her roles in The Flying Doctors and Packed to the Rafters.
But Woman’s Day can reveal the likeable star’s first days on set were far from easy, with insiders spilling the reality of taking over a show with such a loyal fanbase has been a huge challenge.
“She thought it would be like acting. Show up, learn the beats, nail the moment,” reveals a friend close to the star.
“But hosting is a completely different muscle. It took her by surprise.
The source adds that the 61-year-old signed onto the series after it was pitched to her by producers as “something you get to perfect over time”, however the award-winning actress soon found herself getting frustrated that she wasn’t nailing every take.
“She wanted to be great immediately, but it takes time,” adds the insider. “Reality TV, especially this type of format is relentless. It’s fast paced; there’s constant talking and reacting all while you’re managing nervous contestants.”
A different Network Ten source confirms that initially, “it was a struggle,” but that Rebecca was determined soldier on.
“Rebecca thought interacting with the public would come naturally,” they add. “But it’s different when they’re standing in front of you, they’re nervous, they’re excited and you’re trying to keep the show moving while still being warm and supportive.”
Insiders claim Rebecca struggled with the balancing act: knowing what she should prepare in advance, what she should keep spontaneous and how much of her personality she should bring to the set.
“She was trying to work out what worked and what didn’t, and she’s a perfectionist,” says the source. “She didn’t want to look like she was finding her feet.”
Adding to the pressure were the inevitable comparisons to Eddie, who hosted the show for around 15 years.
“She wasn’t just learning a new job,” the insider explains. “She was stepping into a role that had been owned by someone else for years.”
However, a rejigged filming schedule gave Rebecca time to reset and return with a clearer sense of what kind of host she wants to be.
“There was a totally different energy,” says the source after the schedule was changed. “She walked in more confident. She knew what she was doing. She wasn’t second-guessing herself anymore.”.
“Everyone’s noticed the growth,” added the source. “The execs are loving what she’s achieved and how far she’s come. There’s a real sense of excitement.”
And for Rebecca, sources say it’s sparked something bigger… a genuine belief that hosting could become a new chapter in her career.
Millionaire Hot Seat is set to premiere in early 2026.
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