Two contestants on the newest series of Beauty and the Geek hail from Melbourne’s southeast, with Upwey local and professional dancer Tegan and Mermaid performer Tara from Boronia appearing on the currently airing Channel 9 series.
Both Tegan and Tara spoke to the Star Mail about their experiences on the show, getting out of their comfort zone and what they’ve learned about themselves while taking part in the reality TV series.
“It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, it helped improve my self-worth and confidence within myself,” Tegan said.
“I had lost a lot of self-confidence from losing a lot of work in my career and in my industry from Covid.”
Tegan, who has been the lead tap dancer at Disneyland Paris and a cheerleader for the Melbourne Storm, said she struggled at first to drop the façade and be herself on camera.
“My natural instinct when I get in front of the camera is to put on a performance,” she said.
“I really struggled to relax into just being myself in front of the camera, and not be so streamlined.”
She said a highlight was jumping off a roof in one of the final challenges.
“I was so focused on helping my geek Anthony get through that crisis, with me I kind of had no one to support me,” she said.
“That was probably the biggest and most memorable moment for me; it took a lot of courage and a lot of belief in myself.”
Tara, who is two years into a law degree, said she was inspired to go on the show because she wasn’t feeling her “usual energetic self” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’m someone who travels a lot and I perform, which is something I couldn’t do during Covid,” she said.
“I just wanted to get out of my comfort again, and experience something new and crazy.”
She said she doesn’t think she’s ever developed such a close friendship with anyone as quickly as she did with Tegan after they were roommates during filming.
“It was so amazing to see everyone and where we started. Looking back has been insane because we have become such a close group,” she said.
“Honestly I have been telling everyone that I’ve come out a completely different person. I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I have to offer other people, and I’ve learned to be more confident.”
The pair had similar advice for anyone considering going on the show.
“Do it, it will be amazing and it absolutely works. I think sometimes we do have to take a leap of faith and my faith was definitely rewarded.” Tara said.
“It really taught me to never judge a book by its cover and always to be kind to everyone. Everyone has a story,” Tegan said.
“Go for it and don’t second guess yourself.”
Beauty and the Geek is currently airing Monday to Wednesday at 7.30pm and Sundays at 8pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
