Abbey's way

THE NEW ‘HOUSE RULES’ CO-HOST TALKS FAMILY, FUN ON SET AND FEARLESSLY CHAMPIONING WOMEN IN SPORT

-  Zoe Burrell

Competition is in Abbey Way’s blood. The former Miss Universe contestant and granddaughter of Olympic gold medal-winning runner Herb Elliott has risen through the ranks to become a stand-out sports broadcaster. Now the Perth-born, Sydney-based beauty is bringing her sideline skills to reality TV as co-host of House Rules: High Stakes alongside Jamie Durie.

In its eighth season, the renovation series has been given a refresh as contestants are tasked with transforming a high-rise penthouse on the Gold Coast as well as handing over the keys to their own homes. “These people are competing for one shot at something that can change their lives, and in a lot of ways, that’s what athletes do as well,” says Way (née Gelmi). “That’s why I love journalism and sport. You are telling people’s stories at some of the more dramatic moments of their lives.” Between a wedding to fellow sports commentator Ben Way in November, presenting cricket and horseracing on Seven, and scoring a coveted spot on the Olympic commentating team, Way is having a dramatic moment of her own. “It’s been a pretty wild 12 months,” she tells WHO.