Kilmore’s Breanna McGowan became the second winner of new Channel 9 television game show Tipping Point Australia, winning $20,000.
Viewers saw Ms McGowan win her prize in an episode that aired on January 31, where she set a record with 17 counters dropping during the bank builder component of the game.
While on maternity leave with daughter Delilah and son Charlie, Ms McGowan enjoyed watching Tipping Point UK in the afternoons.
After her cousin and best friend Jacqui sent the link for the Australian version, Ms McGown applied.
“I just thought I’d apply as a laugh and see how far I got,” she said.
“My family and friends were so excited both before I went on and after I won.
“A couple of them said ‘of course you would give this a go – that’s a very Breanna thing to do’. They are all my biggest fans.
“I just kept thinking ‘how funny is this’ after each audition.”
After making it through the audition process, Ms McGowan headed to the studio.
“It was really cool getting to see the behind-the-scenes of a television game show,” she said.
“Even though I was so nervous I had the attitude that this will be a fun story to tell, so I think that helped the nerves somewhat.
“The production crew were so lovely [and] Todd Woodbridge is an absolute sweetheart. He really does want you to win.
“I literally screamed in his ear and nearly knocked the poor man down when that counter went over.”
Ms McGowan’s husband Jarrad was in the audience supporting her, making her feel like they were in it together.
During the show, she made Tipping Point history with a record-setting 17 counters drop before making it through to the jackpot round.
Ms McGowan took the temptation for four counters and on the third, dropped the star counter to win $20,000.
“I had discussed possible outcomes and options with Jarrad, my mum and Jacqui and they were mostly sensible, take the money options but you never know what’s going to happen,” she said.
“On the day, in the moment, it just felt right to take the four counters and give it a go.”
With $20,000 in the bank, Ms McGowan said the family would enjoy a fancy dinner but were mostly being sensible.
“It’s going to be squirreled away in a term deposit, but we are looking into buying a jet ski for next summer,” she said.
“You don’t get to have play money like this very often in your life.”
Tipping Point Australia airs 5pm every weeknight on Channel 9 and 9Now.
