Netball legend Liz Ellis AO, holds three World titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, four national league titles, the Medal of the Order of Australia and is an inductee into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. On Monday 15 January 2024, Ellis will co-host Network 10’s premiere revamp of the 1990’s sports challenge TV series, Gladiators.

Describe the feeling you would get when you would take to the court to represent Australia?

It was an immense sense of pride in playing in the Diamonds dress mixed with a sense of responsibility to ensure that I remained true to the Diamonds values and continue a tradition of playing hard but fair, and being committed to win for Australia.

What do you remember most of starting your netball career in local sport like so many Aussies do at their local clubs?

I remember vividly the satisfaction of playing netball on a Saturday morning and having an icy-pole on the way home! It was the best tasting thing I had all week! I also remember loving the feeling of being in a team and working together each week to improve and play well.

What’s your favourite little secret getaway in Australia?

I have a few secret getaways after we spent a year travelling Australia in 2022. My favourite places were along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, where we found some beautiful free camps and enjoyed having our own little piece of paradise.

When you have travelled overseas for both sport and work, why do you think so many people have a positive view of life in Australia?

There is a real sense of positivity around our climate – the sunshine, the beaches, the great outdoors, as well as the friendly nature of Australians.

How has your professional sporting career as an icon of Aussie sport helped you in this new TV role as co-host of Network 10’s Gladiators?

I am fortunate to have learned so much during my sporting career that translates beautifully to life outside sport. The main things that I relied on during the filming of Gladiators was the ability to work in a team with Beau (Ryan) and our producers. Beau comes from a similar background so we immediately found common ground and both of us understood the importance of the team around us in being able to do our jobs. My sporting background also means that I am coachable and can take feedback – that’s super important when you are doing something well outside your comfort zone.