Stellar Cast Assembled for Texas Hold-Em Showdown

Media Release for immediate use 21 March 2007

Stellar Cast Assembled for Texas Hold-Em Showdown

Seven big New Zealand’s names will join Hollywood movie star Shannon Elizabeth in a head-to-head battle for poker supremacy at the second annual $20,000 Christchurch Casino Celebrity Poker Challenge for Charity as part of the New Zealand Poker Champs.

Kerre Woodham, Bill and Ben the Pulp Sport Men, Toni Marsh, Leigh Hart (That Guy), Brooke Howard-Smith and Honor Dillon will join Elizabeth, of American Pie fame, on April 14 2007 for a Texas Hold-em showdown.

The winner of the tournament will receive $20,000 to donate to the charity of their choice - last year’s winner, Black Cap Brendon McCullum, donated his winnings to Plunket Canterbury.

Stephen Lyttelton of Christchurch Casino says he is certain that cast assembled will get people talking.

“It really is a fantastic line-up of talent. We are sure that people will be eager to come and watch some of New Zelaland’s best-known faces, not to mention an international star, battle it out.”

“The fact that one lucky charity will benefit to the tune of $20,000 is fantastic. It’s one of the best things about this tournament – at the end of it, one of eight worthy causes will be $20,000 better off.”

The Celebrity Challenge launches the weeklong New Zealand Poker Championships being held at the Christchurch Casino from 14-22 April.

Both Elizabeth and Brooke-Howard will contest the $500,000 main event at the New Zealand Poker Champs.

ENDS

$20, 000 CELEBRITY POKER CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY BIOS

Shannon Elizabeth

Shannon, an avid poker player, won the first ever Nicky Hilton Caesars Palace New Year’s Eve poker tournament last year. By outlasting all the big name pros and watching the celebrities and walk-ons fall aside, she left little doubt she is a poker champion of the highest calibre. Shannon even managed to ‘cash in’ at the 2006 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Shannon Elizabeth’s acting record is up there with her poker playing ability.

Shannon starred as Ashton Kutcher’s love interest on the hugely successful That 70’s Show, appeared in Love Actually with Hugh Grant and she starred alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

Aside from her impressive poker and acting resume, Shannon has also been named one of Maxim Magazine’s ‘hottest women in the world’.

Kerre Woodham

The late night host on Newstalk ZB, Kerre is also familiar as a television presenter having appeared on Fair Go, Heartland, Ready Steady Cook, Dream Jobs and Together Again.

In addition to her television and radio shows, Kerre also writes a weekly column for the Herald on Sunday and is a regular on the dinner speaking circuit.

Kerre was one of the more aggressive players at the 2006 Celebrity Challenge for Charity.

She returns in 2007 intent on winning.

Toni Marsh

Toni, a self-proclaimed ‘weather chick’, has been with TV3 for almost seven years. Toni also keeps Martin Devlin on his toes during his breakfast show when she provides sports news and weather updates.

Toni is a bit apprehensive about her poker playing ability but now knows the Learn to Play Poker DVD like the back of her hand.

Honor Dillon

Honor, who plays for the Canterbury Cats in the National Hockey League, was selected for the Black Sticks in 2004. Honor competed in the Champions Trophy in 2004 and 2006. She also competed in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. With the Champion’s Challenge this year and the Olympics just around the corner, Honor has a busy time ahead.

Leigh Hart

Leigh Hart, better known to most people as That Guy, is a former Cantab, schooled at Christs’ College. Leigh briefly attended Canterbury University before embarking on an adventure to Europe to help construct the Channel Tunnel between England and France.

TG has appeared on a variety of New Zealand shows including Sports Café, Fair Go and his own show, Moon TV,

Brooke Howard-Smith

Brooke Howard-Smith is a keen poker enthusiast. He, along with Final Table Lee Nelson, host TV3’s Joker Poker. Brooke is also a presenter on the popular show, Target.

Look out for Brooke in the main draw of the NZ Poker Champs from 19 April.

Bill and Ben – The Pulp Sport Men

Bill and Ben are the hosts of spoof sports show Pulp Sport on TV3. The show describes itself as “featuring all you really couldn’t give a toss about from the wonderful world of sport”. It’s hilarious and popular.

Last year the quick-witted pair had TV3 Sports Reporter Hamish McKay at breaking point following a string of practical jokes at his expense. They also shocked a string of leisure sports players with Super Streaker, and tied Brian O’Driscoll and Tana Umaga together in Civil Union.

Bill and Ben have some unfinished business at Christchurch Casino after exiting early in last year’s Celebrity Challenge for Charity.

ENDS

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