On Saturday, all of Norway’s celebrities, dressed in their most beautiful outfits, flock to Grieghallen in Bergen when TV profiles and programs will be honored with awards on the Golden Route.
– Very last
It will all be led by someone TV enthusiasts know well – presenter and former snowboarder Helene Olafsen (34).
The 34-year-old has guided us through several seasons of both “Senkveld med Helene og Stian” and “Skal vi danse”, but the nerves are certainly present for the presenter.
– Terribly scary
On Saturday, the former sports star will be on stage in Grieghallen and follow in the footsteps of big profiles. Including Dorthe Skappel (61) and Sigrid Bonde Tusvik (44).
– Do you feel the nerves associated with it?
– Yes, you’re crazy! I grew up with Dorthe, who was the diva. And Sigrid is, after all, “queen”. I have to find my way to do it, then. So it’s actually a lot of new things for me too. And I think people expect a lot of different things in contrast to “Shall we dance”, for example, which is a bit more straight forward, she tells Dagbladet before the big day.
Olafsen has neither a lucky panty nor special rituals that must be in place before the red lights go on, but she is, on the other hand, concerned that the atmosphere should be good in the back room before the start of the show.
– That’s what’s a bit strange about nerves like that. I don’t really know what I’m nervous about. But it still feels unnatural to go there. It’s always like: “What the hell am I going up there after?”. But then I know that I think it’s fun when it first starts, explains the presenter, and continues:
Cancels popular celebrity party
– I think it’s a bit of fun to do things that I initially don’t think sound that fun, that are scary. I think there is something at the other end. I don’t always know what it is, but I almost benefit from not getting anything positive out of it. I haven’t done it before, I don’t know what I’m getting into.
– What’s the worst that could happen, then?
– The worst thing that could have happened… that I hadn’t made it, then. Had not been able to speak and had a complete “blackout”. Then I’m not doing my job. That’s the worst. But I tend to tell myself that this is just TV. It’s no big deal.
The 34-year-old is no novice on stage. In 2018, she led the Sports Gala together with Atle Pettersen (34).
But:
– When I did the Sports Gala, it was “my people” who sat in the audience there. I don’t know if I can say the same about the TV industry. So it’s scary, fucking scary, says the 34-year-old, followed by a small laugh.
Taking action
To get his nerves under control before the big day, the 34-year-old has made use of several tricks. Among other things, listening to music or going for a walk to relax.
Persuaded the man: – You only live once
– You can’t walk around feeling it all the time. But I don’t always manage to do it. It’s a bit unpredictable when those nerves come too. Suddenly they just come right before. It’s probably because this is so new, because now I’ve known it for a week already. I know that the body thinks this is strange, she admits.
In addition, Olafsen attends conversation classes with a professional who specializes in self-development.
– I went to a guy and tried to work on my head a bit. He works with self-development, so I think that has been exciting. It is quickly done that it burns a little in my cylinder head. I think it’s good in my job. I have to say that Gullruten is the scariest program I can imagine doing.
– It will be a spray tan!
In addition to being a tribute to the TV industry, many turn to Gullruten for the wild outfits.
The TV profile holds the suspense, but may reveal some of the plans for that part of the show.
– Totally crushed
– It is Cårejånni (Enderud, stylist, editor’s note) who has sewn everything together. There will be quite a few changes, there are five different outfits. You never know until you get there and get to test it. That’s what I remember about Gullruten, so it’s a small “homage” to Dorthe there.
– After the broadcast is over, then? Straight to bed or straight to the party?
– I’m going to a party, yes! I will bring a friend with me. I have only been on the Gullruten once. Then it is practical that the in-laws live in Bergen, so then the children get to see them a bit.
Olafsen has come to know how much commitment the viewers devote to outfits and make-up. During last year’s season of “Shall we dance”, some viewers reacted to the presenter’s use of spray tan, which some believe was mostly made up. That criticism apparently bothers the 34-year-old in the middle of the back.
– It will be a spray tan, yes!
But in the autumn, on the other hand, there will be less spray tan and glittering dresses as “Shall we dance” takes a break before the program returns in 2025. Olafsen is thus free from leading the dance program.
– So what happens in the autumn for you now?
– Then there will be more self-development! No, then. I have enough to do, replies the presenter cleverly.
Exactly what Olafsen will prepare himself for is currently a secret.
– I will have a new recording to go in the autumn, but the autumn itself is a bit quieter for me. That’s kind of how it is in this job, that sometimes it’s very hectic and other times it’s a little calmer. But I’m really looking forward to “Shall we dance” season 20.