Jesse Spencer helps judge Logie Outstanding Newcomer award

He was a no-show for the Neighbours anniversary celebrations but Jesse Spencer is on board to help judge the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding Newcomer for the 2015 TV Week Logie Awards.

The Chicago Fire actor and The Originals’ Claire Holt will join a panel of local industry experts, to help select this year’s recipient:

• Brandon McClelland (ANZAC Girls, ABC)
• Harriet Dyer (Love Child, Nine Network)
• Miranda Tapsell (Love Child, Nine Network)
• Silvia Colloca (Made In Italy With Silvia Colloca, SBS ONE)
• Troy Kinne (Kinne, 7mate)

The recipient, to be announced ahead of the Awards, will win a round-trip to Los Angeles, a one-year scholarship at Stella Adler Acting School in LA and mentoring with prominent industry contacts.

“Judging the TV Week Logies was great,” said Spencer. “I loved watching such a diverse range of choices and creativity that, living in the US, I normally wouldn’t get to see.”

“It was awesome to be able to sit in LA and watch excellent Australian television,” said Holt. “I loved every minute of it!

“I saw some really terrific actors and entertainers from variety shows,” she added. “Australia is full of creative people and it was nice to have that validated and watch some exciting new faces.

“As an actor, you’re constantly judged and you face rejection. There are people who are going to like or dislike your work. I tried to keep that in mind when watching the entries.

“It was nice not to have any pressure on me and just to be able to enjoy it.”