In what might be the most iconic news of the year so far, our very own Eli Matthewson has been announced as part of the lineup of 'Dancing With The Stars NZ' for 2022!
The Edge Breakfast host will be making history as one half of the Kiwi show's first-ever same-sex couple, and we simply could not be prouder of him.
"I keep thinking about how much it would have meant to little teenage Eli in Otautahi to see two men dancing together on 'Dancing With The Stars!'" he said.
Eli's charity of choice is Outline, which operates a health line for queer people of any age.
"They're a great organisation that could really do with a helping hand so I’m excited to hopefully help them out," he said.
As for what else Eli's hoping to get out of the competition, he says "abs, primarily".
Meg and Nickson are both fizzing for their co-host's dancefloor debut, with Meg saying: "Eli is always dancing in and around the studio so I can't wait to see him show NZ his moves! So proud of him and his partner being the first male duo as well."
Eli will be partnering with ballroom veteran Jonny Williams, who has previously danced with Carolyn Taylor, Angela Bloomfield and True Bliss singer Megan Alatini.
"A lot of people have asked us who will be the man and who will be the woman but the point is that we are two men!" Eli said.
The other stars soon to be spray-tanned, sparkling and strapping on their dancing shoes are:
- Reality TV star Alex Vaz
- Broadcaster Brodie Kane
- Former boxer David Letele
- Olympic medallist Eric Murray
- Author and mental health advocate Jazz Thornton
- Broadcaster and journalist Kerre Woodham
- Stand-up comedian Rhys Mathewson
- Actor and TV presenter Sonia Gray
Plus, the show will be hosted by Edge Afternoons' Sharyn Casey and our mate Clint Randell! How good?
