As one of New Zealand's first-ever reality TV stars, Megan Alatini knows only too well what it's like living life in front of a camera.
Now, 24 years after she found fame as one-fifth of girl group TrueBliss on Popstars, being a judge on NZ Idol in 2006 and a runner-up on Dancing With the Stars in 2007, she's excited about being on another reality show, Celebrity Treasure Island (CTI). But she doesn't think her previous experience is necessarily an advantage.
"The problem is having done something like this before means I forget the camera is turned on and I can sometimes do silly things," she laughs. "But I'm an open book anyway. I don't shy away from speaking the truth, which is important because you want to make sure that things are genuine.
"My advantage is that I'm comfortable in this environment and hopefully that brings out the best in me."
Megan, 46, who has been a fan of the show since it first started in 2001, was shocked when she got the phone call asking if she would take part.
"I was thrilled to be invited, but I was like, 'Don't be too excited.' But I couldn't contain it. I had to check it over with my family, but they were so supportive and encouraging."
Megan-who is mum to Tonica, 29, Tiara, 28, and Trey, 18 admits she's not an outdoorsy person. "I love looking at it, and I appreciate others who are campers and trampers," she says, revealing she only had her first proper camping experience last year, which was organised by far more experienced friends.
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