Former MP and eliminated The Masked Singer NZ contestant Georgina Beyer says she turned down the chance to appear on the hit show the first time around.
Speaking to Ryan Bridge on AM on Monday, Beyer revealed she'd been approached by the production company for the first series, but chose not to do it.
"I was terrified, I turned it down last season, but a very good pitch swung me around to do it this season. I like a bit of a challenge," Beyer admitted.
Beyer was unveiled as the first to be kicked off the new season of The Masked Singer NZ, which premiered on Sunday on Three.
Her costumed character Pōhutukawa was in the bottom three as voted by the audience.
The judges chose to save fellow contestants Double Scoop Ice cream and Unicorn, but correctly guessed that underneath the foliage was Beyer, the world's first trans mayor and former MP.
Beyer also told Bridge the work that goes into the show was impressive.
"The costumes are just incredible - are we contestants or are we participants?" Beyer said, but she wouldn't be drawn on who else could be under the array of sequins and iconic Kiwi characters, saying no two characters were near each other at any one time during the show.
"I have my suspicions - the logistics of that and keeping us away from each other and all the security and everything like that is amazing, and I imagine a nightmare for the crew to keep us separated like that."
Beyer also told Bridge her performing days are "largely over" but she may pop up when the opportunity presents itself.
The Masked Singer NZ airs on Sunday at 7pm on Three, and can be streamed on ThreeNow.
