Key Highlights
- Sara Davies, a former BBC Strictly Come Dancing star, has taken on a significant new role as host of ITV’s “Time is Money.”
- Davies was chosen for her warmth and empathy, which she believes help contestants feel more comfortable during the quiz show.
- ITV is taking a risk by choosing an untested presenter for this new format, highlighting Davies’ natural on-screen presence and charm.
The Move to ITV: A New Chapter in Sara Davies’ Career
Sara Davies, the charming and encouraging host of BBC Strictly Come Dancing, is making a significant transition into a new role as the host of ITV’s new daytime quiz show, “Time is Money.” The former dance queen has stepped out of her comfort zone to embrace a new challenge that requires both warmth and wit.
A Natural Fit for “Time is Money”
In an interview with The Mirror, Davies admitted she didn’t hesitate when offered the opportunity. “It’s not like presenting a quiz was on my big life agenda, but what I’ve learned about myself over the last five years or so is that I just love doing TV,” she said with a chuckle.
Davies attributes her approachable nature as one of the key reasons ITV chose her. “I realised quite early on that if I could make them feel relaxed, then they enjoy the process more,” she explained. “I tried to forge a genuine connection really quickly with all of the players and felt like I was rooting for them.”
ITV Takes a Risk
Davies acknowledged the risk ITV is taking by choosing her for this role, saying, “That’s a big risk for them, which just drove me even more because I don’t do anything half-heartedly. If I’m in something, I’m really in it.” This sentiment underscores the importance she places on delivering quality content and her commitment to excellence.
Preparing for the New Role
To prepare for this new role, Davies utilized a strategy similar to her time on BBC Strictly Come Dancing. “I learned to de-compartmentalise when I did Strictly,” she revealed. “There’s that age-old saying, ‘If you want a job doing, give it to a busy woman.’ And when I did Strictly, I could only rehearse for six hours a day from 6am to midday. ‘I learned that I had to give them all of me in those six hours, and I couldn’t be doing other things.” This approach ensures she can deliver her best performance every time.
Challenges and Triumphs
The role presented some challenges, particularly with Davies’ distinctive north-east accent. “It can be quite challenging when it comes to pronouncing Shakespearean characters and European footballers,” she laughed. However, Davies took the time to practice with her team to ensure she didn’t let anyone down on set.
Looking Forward
Davies expressed confidence in her ability to deliver a successful show. “Going into there as somebody who wasn’t a professional quiz presenter, I felt like I needed to lift myself up to their level to justify having a seat at that table,” she admitted. “But that’s when you get the biggest satisfaction, isn’t it? When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, try something new and then excel at it.” By episode 25, Davies felt like a quizzing expert.
ITV’s expansion into the daytime quiz market with shows like “Time is Money” marks an exciting development for the channel. As viewers tune in to see how this former dance queen fares on the quiz show circuit, one thing is clear: Sara Davies has taken on a huge risk and is ready to shine.
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie, and streaming news, go to Everything Gossip.
