Ah, the joys and perils of live television! Those of us who’ve seen a thing or two over the years know that anything can happen when the cameras roll and the red light is on.
It’s a tightrope walk, balancing spontaneity with the need to keep things running smoothly —a challenge that often leads to memorable, if not perfectly polished, moments. And wouldn’t you know it, a recent broadcast delivered just such a moment, a little unexpected theatre that unfolded right before our eyes?
In a segment that took an unexpected turn from the usual morning fare, viewers of the Today show were left with their jaws dropped and stomachs turned as Richard Wilkins, the 70-year-old Nine entertainment editor, presented a plate that could only be described as a cooking catastrophe.
During a live segment titled Dining At Dickie’s, which takes place at Wilkins’ lavish $5 million Sydney home, Australian music legend Russell Morris was the unsuspecting guest who faced the gastronomic gaffe.
The scene unfolded as the two chatted amiably about Morris’s upcoming Farewell Tour. Morris, the 76-year-old singer behind the iconic hit The Real Thing, was once managed by the legendary Molly Meldrum and has been a staple in the Australian music scene for over five decades.
As the conversation flowed, Wilkins could be seen dishing out what was meant to be a hearty meal. Instead, he scooped what appeared to be soggy peas from a bowl of water, accompanied by mashed potatoes and lamb chops that were alarmingly undercooked.
‘Are you hungry?’ Wilkins inquired, to which Morris, ever the good sport, replied, ‘I’m always hungry. I was born hungry.’
Wilkins, perhaps with a hint of foreboding, quipped back, ‘Well, in five minutes’ time, you’ll find out whether that was a mistake or not.’
The segment was meant to be a light-hearted interlude, but it quickly became the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons.
The image of the half-cooked lamb chops and the waterlogged peas made even the most undiscerning foodie balk.
But let’s not let the culinary misadventure overshadow the real story here: Russell Morris’s Farewell Tour. With a career spanning an impressive 58 years, the beloved Australian music legend is set to embark on a final tour that will take him across the country.
Starting in Adelaide at the Festival Theatre on 3 August, Morris will grace stages from the Civic Theatre in Newcastle to the Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre and from the Twin Towns Services Club to the prestigious Sydney Opera House, where he will conclude his tour on 7 September.
Fans can expect to hear Morris’s greatest hits, including Hush, Sweet Sweet Love, and Wings of An Eagle.
Additionally, he will perform his acclaimed blues trilogy, which began with the landmark album Sharkmouth in 2012. This album broke records, earning Morris a 2013 ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album.
Reflecting on his storied career, Morris shared, ‘For too many years to count, more than I care to admit, I’ve performed across every corner of Australia. I’ve cherished every second of it.’
He explained that the tour is a farewell, a way to close the loop on a chapter that has defined much of his life. While he leaves the door open for the occasional one-off gig, the endless rounds of clubs, pubs, and RSLs (Returned and Servicesman’s League) are behind him.
‘Since the ’60s, I’ve poured my heart into this circuit, but after decades of constant motion, I started to feel a creeping sense of déjà vu—maybe I was repeating myself, treading the same worn paths,’ he said.
‘That’s why my albums have danced through so many styles—folk, rock, blues, you name it. I’m not built for the repetitive; it’s like circling the drain, and I refuse to let that be my story.’
Have you ever experienced a cooking disaster or witnessed one on live TV? Share your stories in the comments below.
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