Leave your baggage at the door when the new season of Space Invaders returns to screens for season three.
With Angie Kent (Gogglebox, Bachelorette) joining the crew as a new co-host and treasure hunter, the latest season will help families lighten their homes and their hearts with the team’s renovations and unbelievable transformations.
This season, Kent joins two original Space Invaders team members – declutter guru Peter Walsh and renovation queen Cherie Barber.
Mediaweek spoke to Kent about her latest TV venture ahead of the premiere on Saturday, February 4, at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now.
Joining the show for the first, what personal touch did you want to bring to the series?
Kent: “I wanted to bring a real organic/DIY’ viewers perspective’ touch. A lot of people have watched me as the girl on the couch watching TV. I’m the gal next door, I’m your mate, I am not a professional in renovating or decluttering like Peter or Cherie.
People can learn along with me, whether it’s upcycling an old unused item or bringing people’s most loved possessions back to life. I’m the gal who was brought up around a low-key hoarder (my poppy Ted) and was taught to believe everything had a purpose. I also am quite the collector myself. So watch this space.”
Space Invaders is a very hands-on show; how involved were you in the process, and how much freedom did you have?
“It’s very hands-on! I didn’t want to come into this season like a bull in a china shop. Cherie and Peter have worked together for a while now, so I wanted to sit back and learn from the best of the best but also without losing my ‘Angie touch’. As the season got on, I had much more freedom and felt confident enough to throw my two cents’ worth in. But all and all, I was very hands-on, and everything you see me do – I actually do it! I don’t pretend for the camera. I get in there like swimwear.”
What were some of your highlights from the season?
“I can’t say too much without giving away any of the magic. I love seeing what makes people tick and why humans do the things they do. I generally feel when people hear the word ‘clutter’, it instantly follows with a negative feeling or judgement. But everyone has a story, right? There is a reason behind why people do the things they do. Hearing these homeowners’ stories and helping change their lives was probably the most magical highlight for me.”
Peter Walsh, Cherie Barber and Angie Kent
The show can be very emotional; how did you feel balancing people’s emotions throughout the process?
“I love emotions. I love people. I am a very emotional person myself. I feel all the feels hardcore. So I just strapped myself in and enjoyed the ride. I never have a problem understanding where people come from.”
Was there anything that surprised you?
“A lot. The days are LONG, and the viewers only get to see 40-60 minutes of generally an entire week. There are so many more tears, laughs, inappropriate jokes, and real-life moments that the audience doesn’t get to see. I wish we could do a Space Invaders un-cut. People would be in for one hell of an extra ride!”
You’ve just returned to your Two Girls One Pod podcast for 2023 and are now doing one, longer episode per week, instead of two, shorter episodes. What was the decision behind this?
“Yvie Jones and I are big believers that it’s all about quality, not quantity. We’re both busy little bees. So we think one longer episode a week of Two Girls One Pod instead of two episodes will mean we deliver more solid content and bulk LOLs. We are better when we don’t have a timeframe to sum things up. Plus, I wouldn’t say I like doing anything half-assed. If I am working, I am giving it my all.”
What do you hope audiences get from Space Invaders?
“Super stoked for everyone to sit back and enjoy this season. Everyone has a story, and the beauty of this show is that you get to see some of that story and how prioritising yourself, your family and happiness through a sprinkle of decluttering, a sprinkle of renovating and a sprinkle of bringing your memories back to life, can make that happen (and by sprinkle I am talking a massive handful – Cherie and Peter are next level amazing! What they can do in less than a week – MIND BLOWING!) Watch this space.”
Space Invaders premieres Saturday, February 4, at 7.30 pm on Nine and 9Now.