“I just think this show is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and I guess I’m the perfect candidate because I’m very expressive and have a wide range of emotions – which you’re able to see on the show – which is reflective of how amazing the talent is.”
While it appears Nicole believes Australia has got talent, she also believes the talent on the judging panel are already forming solid relationships. “We just met the day before filming and the judges are so lovely,” she says.
“We naturally have great chemistry – we all bring something really different to the panel.”
In fact, Nicole reveals that she found herself inclined to spend time with Shane Jacobson, who she says embraced her with his larrikin charms. “I kind of hit it off with Shane,” she says.
“He was so warm and he knew that I was a newbie coming into Australia – even though Manu is from another country as well, he’s lived in Australia for 19 years – so Shane kind of took me under his wing.” Still, she wouldn’t say no to being seated side-by-side the judge with the French accent.
“They sat me next to Manu and I was like, ‘I don’t even know this guy!’” she laughs. “But, we went straight in, we totally connected, and he’s got such a great sense of humour.”
What’s more, the French chef admits that he thinks Nicole is great as well. “Nicole is the rock star from across the world and she’s got presence,” he tells New Idea. “She really is a lovely person.”
Now we know she is close with Manu and Shane, what does the US star think of her fellow female judge, Lucy Durack? “Lucy was so kind, warm and welcoming,” she says. “When I first met her, I thought she can’t even be real, she’s like a Disney character. [Laughs] She cracks me up. She is that lovely in real life.”
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