Natalie Tran on PDF itineraries, Steve Carell and the rice cooker mandate
In a candid interview with The Guardian, the comedian and television presenter discusses her meticulous approach to romance, a memorable brush with Hollywood stardom and the sartorial mishaps of baking television.
Natalie Tran, co-host of The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Tom Walker, has revealed her highly structured approach to romance in a recent interview with The Guardian Culture section. Tran disclosed that for her first date with her partner, she prepared a detailed PDF itinerary complete with maps and specific time slots, offering two distinct versions of the schedule to accommodate different preferences. The plan included options such as visiting an observatory, bowling, or attending the library, a gesture she described as ensuring transparency, though she acknowledged others might find the level of detail unusual.
The conversation also touched on a memorable and awkward encounter with actor Steve Carell during a segment for an Australian show Tran’s partner was working on. Tran recounted attempting to shake Carell’s hand, only for him to miss the gesture entirely. When Carell’s assistant approached her to ask what she was listening to via her headset, Tran chose to ignore the inquiry to avoid further awkwardness, a moment she described as horrific while her partner watched with amusement.
Tran’s culinary opinions remain as sharp as ever, with the host reiterating her stance that it should be illegal not to own a rice cooker. She expressed disbelief at those who cook rice in saucepans, joking that she had compiled a list of commenters from a previous article who do not own the appliance and submitted their names to a court. When questioned about her own kitchen habits, she admitted to making rice in a pan, a revelation she met with pained silence, acknowledging the extra cleaning required.
On the set of The Great Australian Bake Off, Tran shared insights into the unglamorous realities of hosting, including a wardrobe malfunction involving a hot water bottle. She explained that she sometimes straps a hot water bottle to her back for warmth, which once slipped down into her jumpsuit during filming, creating an awkward visual for the crew. Despite the mishap, she noted that the bakers often provide extra cake cut-offs, allowing the hosts to indulge in the desserts they are meant to judge.
Tran also reflected on her public persona, noting that tradespeople frequently mistake her for her character in the series Mr Inbetween due to her appearance. She attributed this confusion to looking "angry or grumpy" when opening her door, a trait she embraces as part of her acting role. With The Great Australian Bake Off season 9 currently airing on Foxtel and Binge, Tran continues to balance her comedic roots with her television hosting duties, offering a blend of chaotic charm and meticulous planning.