INTERVIEW Pollyanna Woodward promises more hi-tech gizmos and amazing prizes as GADGET GIRL The Gadget Show returns for a new series eople can get the wrong idea about The viewer scoops an absolute truckload (and a point of destruction? “Inevitably,” chuckles Gadget Show’s hosts. Just ask Pollyanna THE pretty big truck, at that) of high-tech prizes, Colin – although Pollyanna is quick to Woodward, who is about to embark GADGET SHOW, from computers and games consoles to add that it’s not just a question of trashing Pon her third series as a co-host of the FRIDAY WEEK, smart phones and 3D TVs. And it’s about high-tech products to make entertaining TV. hugely popular Channel 5 technology show. to get even better, promises Colin. It’s about seeing if they’ll cope with real-life Fun though it is to be playing with the CHANNEL 5 “Viewers are in for a real treat. We want it rough-and-tumble. latest gizmos – and there’s a whole pile of to be a surprise, but they can expect the same “I can be quite heavy-handed myself,” she shiny new stuff for them to get their hands massive prize fund we’re famous for – with a says, “so if a piece of equipment is meant to be on when the show returns this week – they clever way of deciding what they could win!” built to withstand, I’ll put it through its paces.” don’t get to keep the fantastic gadgets. The Gadget Show may have been off the Besides, as Colin reminds us, the show’s “The one thing most people ask when air for some weeks, but the team have been consumer tests are ultimately there to help they meet me is whether I get lots of working hard on items for the new run. viewers decide what to spend their money on. freebies,” reveals Pollyanna. “They’re VIEWERS “Jon has just returned from Italy,” says “If people trust us with their buying decisions, shocked when I tell them I don’t! ARE IN FOR A Colin. “He braved the rush hour in Rome then we’re doing a good job,” he says. “I do get some good discounts, but very to test the latest folding bikes. Apparently, For Pollyanna, of course, it’s a dream job. few free things. I don’t mind, though. It’s nice REAL TREAT. it was terrifying! Also, Suzy and Pollyanna Playing with these grown-up toys, travelling buying something you’ve worked hard for. ” THEY CAN embarked on a challenge to find out exactly the world – and by all accounts having a This latest series, including the 200th EXPECT THE what tech you can buy these days for £100. right old giggle along the way. Especially episode in October, will again see some SAME MASSIVE The results were quite astonishing. when she’s working with Jason Bradbury. remarkable and entertaining product testing. “In September, we’re also going to be “Every day spent with Jason is the And the team, which also includes Jason PRIZE FUND showing a very special task that Suzi and funniest,” she says. “He has me doubled over Bradbury, Ortis Deley, Suzi Perry and Jon WE’RE FAMOUS Jason recently took part in. I can’t say much with tears from laughing. There’s never a dull Bentley, have been racking up the air miles. FOR – WITH A more at the moment, but it will change moment. And when it comes to geeks, of “Our presenters are becoming regular VERY CLEVER something about The Gadget course, none of us can match him!” globetrotters,” says series producer Colin Show forever. And it’s Mansfield-born Pollyanna, 29, has Byrne. “Morocco is the stage for our series WAY OF DECIDING something they’ll be certainly come a long way since her opener. Ortis and Pollyanna are challenged WHAT THEY getting the viewers first TV appearance in 2002, to make the best video they can. You’ll see COULD WIN involved in. You competing on ITV1’s Popstars: them using some of the smartest consumer won’t want to The Rivals – and very nearly technology on the market and you’ll be PRODUCER miss it!” becoming a member of astonished by what they achieve.” And Girls Aloud. Sadly, she Pollyanna has also travelled across Europe COLIN BYRNE will the hasn’t kept up the and the US for this new series, searching for show still singing. “I wouldn’t do it the latest prototype robots and high-tech be testing in front of anyone now,” vehicles. “I came across some mind-blowing Below: Pollyanna items to the she says. “I’d have to technology in Germany that leaves you Woodward: work on warming it feeling like you’re in a sci-fi film,” she says. “I came across up for a few months.” some mind-blowing Of course, The Gadget Show has also technology in And with The Gadget become famous for its weekly competition Germany that Show keeping her so – the one where makes you feel busy, what little spare a lucky like you’re in a time she does have is sci-fi film.” mostly spent chilling out with friends. Even then, mind you, she can’t entirely switch off. “Since I joined the show I have become their technology fix-it girl. Friends are always asking me for the best offers, the best tech to buy. It’s as if I’ve become a tech personal shopper. But ANNA FOWLER they think it’s great that I’m doing something I love.” Xyxyxy Mike Ward PHOTOGRAPHS: SATURDAY MAGAZINE 15.