Gare credits Ben Elton with TV career

Anna Gare has credited Ben Elton with kick-starting her television career.

The Junior MasterChef judge and former singer, whose sister Sophie is married to British comedian and writer Elton, said that she nearly passed up the opportunity of having her own cooking show until Elton left her a message encouraging her to take the job.

Gare told The Australian Women's Weekly magazine: "[The show] was live; no room for mistakes. I freaked out. In the end I said, 'Sorry I don't think I can.'

"Ben often calls with long messages, usually complimentary, but that day he went off. He said: 'You're mad! I can't believe you turned it down. Do you know how many people would die for that job? You've been performing for the past ten years. That's what you're good at - so do it!'

"I knew he was right. It was a great opportunity and I was crazy. I called them back and gingerly asked if the job was still going. It was. I auditioned. I got it. I loved it. I still do."