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Amazing Race Canada, Featured

The Amazing Race Canada: Heroes Edition — Meet Martina & Phil, Joseph & Akash and Leanne & Mar

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The Amazing Race‘s 10 teams have finally been revealed and we couldn’t be more excited. Not only is this season of the Race—returning Tuesday, July 3, at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. MT on CTV—being dubbed Heroes Edition because of the inspirational folks involved, but we actually got a chance to meet the teams before they began the Race. Not only that, but we were among a small group of Canadian media who observed a leg of the Race being run! More on that later; in the meantime, check out our interviews with the 10 teams competing this summer.

Martina and Phil Seo
Occupations: Volunteer/Home Economics Teacher (Martina) and Volunteer/Banking Manager (Phil)

Was either of you nervous about participating once you were nominated?
Phil: I’ve watched every single episode of The Amazing Race Canada and the U.S. version too, so it’s always been a dream. I’ve even planned Amazing Races at home for my birthday for my friends. They had to go kayaking out into the water into the middle of nowhere and then hike up a mountain, scarf down a Big Mac, chug a beer … all the things I love to do.

Some teams do a ton of research as they prepare for The Amazing Race Canada. Will that give you an advantage going into this? Are you the team to beat?
Martina: We’ve done the homework, have heart and passion and we know what we want. And we want to win it!

Martina, are you ready for the long hours? The lack of food? The lack of sleep?

Martina: I hope so! [Laughs.]

Phil: Her nickname is The Energizer Bunny. In an interview, this is cute and endearing. But growing up with this? She never turns off!

How do you deal with that? You’ll be spending the next several weeks together?
Phil: I just have to shake my head and accept that this is my sister and this is the way she was made. There is no changing her.

Do siblings have an advantage in the Race because you know each other so well and there won’t be hurt feelings?
Phil: We’ve known each other all our lives and even the last few days we’ve had heart-to-hearts that we’ve never had before. And we were reconciling stuff.

Martina: I think this time will be a gift and we’re so thankful to be chosen. I won’t believe it’s real until we see Jon at the start line!

Joseph Truong and Akash Sidhu
Occupations: Non-profit Founders

What did you do in your tape for the producers?
Akash: It was very simple. In my basement at my house, there is a space where Joseph and I always hang out. There are a TV and a nice sofa. We decided to just film it on the sofa where we always chill and acted like the camera wasn’t even there. We acted like our normal selves.

Why are you two the team to beat this season?
Joseph: First off, we have a great friendship. We travel across the world together. We’ve done really cool things together. On top of being a team, we’re also huge super-fans. We have a lot of knowledge from past seasons and different franchises as well. And we have complementary skill sets. We’re very strong with endurance and are athletic and have an attention to detail. We can tackle any of the tasks that are presented to us.

Anything that you’re not so strong at?
Akash: I’m vegetarian, so having to eat insects or crazy meals will be something that’s harder for me to do. Waiting is also hard for us. We’re very, ‘Go, go, go!’ and waiting for a clue or being patient might be tough.

Joseph: We’ve prepared for a lot of different challenges, like the heights and the eating. In terms of what we do at home, we’re not as comfortable building things so any challenge that involves something mechanical might trip us up a bit.

What about language?
Akash: We do speak a few different languages. I speak some South Asian languages like Punjabi, Hindi and I also speak Chinese. In terms of some parts of Asia and Canada, I think we’re good. Joseph also speaks Cantonese. We’ve also travelled to Africa and Europe. We haven’t been to South America, so we’ll have to ask the locals.

Leanne Larsen and Marielle Lyon
Occupations: Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders

What sets you apart from the rest of the competitors?
Leanne: We think everyone is going to underestimate us. As soon as they find out we’re cheerleaders they’re going to be like, ‘OK, that’s with all the big hair and the makeup.’ But they don’t realize the physical side of cheerleading and dancing and the working out and the time that you put in. But, also, we’re not just dancers at a game shaking pompoms and smiling. We both have educational backgrounds and work a million hours a week. A lot of teams may doubt us when it comes to physical and problem-solving challenges.

Mar: It’s not easy being able to consistently represent a multi-million dollar brand. We are the faces and representation of the team but at the same time, we’re role models for kids in the community. We’re on the team because we’re educated and driven.

What’s your secret weapon? Being the underdogs?
Leanne: I’m not going to lie, we’ve been playing up the outgoing, bubbly card a little bit. Everybody is sizing each other up at this point. We were driving in today and I said, ‘Hey, is that the CN Tower?’ I live right next to it. We played up not even being from here. We’re playing into the stereotype and playing it to our advantage.

Is there anything you’re nervous about?
Leanne: For me, I have this weird thing about bugs. I can hold them and have them crawl all over me but the thought of eating one grosses me out.

Mar: Mine is horses. I am absolutely terrified of horses. It’s a full meltdown cry. I had a traumatic experience when I was younger and ever since then. Horses can sense when you’re scared and they become defensive and it’s downhill from there.

Are there any countries, provinces or territories you hope are on the checklist for this season?
Leanne: I have never been to B.C., so that’s a huge one. I would also like to travel to the territories. What is a better excuse to go there than this show and document it? I’d love to see all that Canada has.

Mar: I’m looking forward to going east. I’ve not ventured past Montreal, so anything East Coast. I want to feel their culture, their vibe. And lobster is amazing!

The Amazing Race Canada: Heroes Edition airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/9 p.m. MT on CTV.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

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Amazing Race Canada

Calling All Heroes: CTV Orders Sixth Season of Hit Series The Amazing Race Canada

From a media release:

After five AMAZING seasons, host Jon Montgomery announced today that the adventure will continue as CTV has renewed THE AMAZING RACE CANADA for a heroic sixth season. And in a new twist, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is seeking courageous Canadians – teachers, first responders, parents, community leaders, mentors, athletes, and other everyday heroes with a story to tell – to join the Race for Season 6 and be a part of an adventure that could change their lives forever. The most-watched Canadian series of the year, THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is slated to return next summer to CTV when host Jon Montgomery welcomes a new cast of racers to the starting line and takes viewers on their favourite summertime adventure.

CTV also confirmed today that casting for the upcoming sixth season of the competition series is now open. Aspiring racers are invited to pair up with someone they know and trust – a friend, sibling, parent, partner, or someone with a close relationship – and submit an audition for the opportunity to share their story with the rest of Canada. While THE AMAZING RACE CANADA is especially seeking everyday heroes to join the Race for Season 6, casting is open to every Canadian looking to challenge themselves and find the hero within.

New this season, fans and viewers can tell THE AMAZING RACE CANADA about the incredible everyday heroes who they would like to see conquer the Race, in addition to submitting their own application. Viewers looking to shine a spotlight on the valiant Canadians in their lives should visit the casting website to submit a nomination, telling the story of what makes their submission a hero in their life or community (no video required). The deadline for applications and nominations is Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For all casting details and updates, including instructions on how to submit an audition video or propose someone for Season 6, viewers can visit CTV.ca/TheAmazingRaceCanada, the CTV Facebook page, and follow @AmazingRaceCDA.

The fifth season of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, which saw racers travel more than 50,000 km with international stops in China, Thailand, and Panama, was the most-watched Canadian program of the broadcast year, with an average audience of 1.8 million total viewers. More than two million viewers tuned in for the Season 5 finale on Sept. 12, 2017 to watch dating couple Sam and Paul from Toronto take home the grand prize.

 

 

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Amazing Race Canada, Featured

Comments and queries for the week of September 15

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I think the best team won, however, Kenneth and Ryan were my favourites. They had such a great attitude and had so much fun. The Amazing Race is so great to watch. —Rochelle

No renewal announcement, slightly surprising. But it will happen it’s still the No. 1 summer show. Two climbing challenges was redundant but the puzzle/memory and the bike challenges were good. If Giver had just remembered one 150 Challenge the first time they’d have won. The elevator bit was awesome. It’s always odd how most After the Race specials have one person missing. Not sure why they only had one this year instead of the usual two reunions. I do like they let everyone talk at least once. Sam & Paul had a winner’s edit going on but they were pretty likeable. Ivana had a few goofy moments but so did Korey in the band uniform and peeing earlier. She really messed up her back on diving, I’m surprised she wasn’t medevaced. The nerfing of the U-Turns, the waiting for people to show up to the Face Offs, the location order and the very few international legs being almost always non-elim needs to change. —Dan

I’m happy that Sam and Paul won; however, I would have been happy if Kenneth and Ryan won as well. Some of the challenges were beyond crazy. Five years ago I would have thought entering The Amazing Race would be a possible feat; however, with the challenges they put out there today … never! I’ll be a forever “viewer” instead. Question: why didn’t Kenneth take the elevator the second time? He had already completed the challenge by scaling the building for the first time. —Judy

I love watching The Amazing Race Canada. Have to say I was all for Team GIVER, but the race was so close and I’m glad Sam and Paul won. Can’t wait for next season. —CC

Team Giver really grew on me throughout the race, so I was kind of hoping they’d pull out the win, but Sam and Paul were strong competitors and deserved the win. Well done guys! —Bridget

Team Giver gave it their all and they are the best team ever whether they won or lost, they tried their best and put all of their might into it! They made the town of Collingwood very proud of them and Ontario, Canada too! From one Collingwood Fan, I am so proud of Team Giver and for putting us on the map!!! Way to go guys, you did awesome! Better get training for 2018!!! —Donna

Sam and Paul deserved to win. They played this game intelligently and seemed to have done their research in avoiding errors. Great job guys, enjoy all your prizes. —Christina

 

Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg.david@tv-eh.com or via Twitter @tv_eh.

 

 

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Amazing Race Canada, Featured

The Amazing Race Canada: And the winners are …

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After thousands of kilometres travelled, and millions of steps taken, Tuesday’s final Leg of The Amazing Race Canada crowned its winning team. Would it be dating couple Sam and Paul, who have been so dominant all summer long? Could Team Giver, best buds Kenneth and Ryan, take the title? Or would friends Ivana and Korey pull off the biggest upset of the season and snatch a win from one of the other pairs?

In the end, dating couple Sam and Paul continued the momentum they’d built during later stages of the Race and were this season’s winners, capturing cars, a trip for two around the world, $250,000 and the title. Best friends Kenneth and Ryan placed second with friends Ivana and Korey in third.

“It’s the most amazing thing,” Sam said moments after celebrating. “We met so many amazing people and the fact that I got to do it with Paul and everyone here has been the most amazing experience of our lives.”

“This Race really has changed my life,” Paul said. “Even six months ago I didn’t want to tell people I was gay. Just being in front of all these people and being comfortable with that and being able to talk to everyone and show that this is my boyfriend that I’m in love with. I feel like a different person. I feel like I’m liberated. It’s the best feeling.”

But Sam and Paul’s triumph was anything but easy, thanks to some super-tough tests and a wayward cab ride.

The Leg began with the final pairs all on the same flight to Quebec City, once again negating any chance of a team snagging a lead on the others. (I’m guessing the fact there aren’t as many flight options—or sponsors—is the reason for this.) The trios immediately, upon arrival, were presented with the clue box and the first Road Block of the Leg: one team member had to climb down a cargo net above the raging water of Montmorency Falls to grab their next clue. Paul, Korey and Ryan all opted for the test. To be honest, it seemed like climbing around just above a waterfall was easier than having cockroaches crawling all over your face. Paul made it look easy, steadily picking his way down and then back up the cargo net while calmly explaining his plan. Kudos to Race producers for some truly stunning camera shots of the cataract. I assume it took the other two teams awhile to get into the base building and then back out again because Sam and Paul departed the challenge before the others arrived. Ryan and Korey went head-to-head, with the former outlasting the latter and getting to the top first. Korey’s foot got tangled in the net, further slowing him down.

A quick cab ride to the old city of Quebec produced an interesting challenge, as teams were tasked with navigating the narrow, streets astride bike rickshaws to pick up and drop off customers. Communication and patience was key, which Sam and Paul found out fast. With one partner planted in the park and the other on the rickshaw, the walkie talkie was a lifeline. Language played a huge part in the test too, something Ryan quickly found out as he butchered the French street names. This challenge levelled the playing field, erasing the lead Sam and Paul had and allowing the others to catch up. Frustration also set in thanks mostly to poor radio reception. Paul did complete the task first, but Kenneth was right behind.

The fact The Amazing Race Canada was being done in the summer didn’t stop Quebec City from injecting Bonhomme Carnaval into the mix: teams had to find their next clue amid hundreds of stuffed Bonhomme toys stored in a warehouse. Once they’d found the clue—an empty box of chocolates—it was off to a chocolate shop to cash in the box for a huge hollow egg with the Road Block clue inside it. (Funniest moment of the episode? A man in a Bonhomme costume scaring the bejesus out of Team Giver.)

At the Road Block, the team member who skipped the cargo net had to climb the outside of the tallest building in Quebec City—a 30-plus storey adventure—and look for the flag revealing their next location. Sam was halfway up the wall by the time Kenneth was strapped in, but it was a dead heat as both men were searching for the Race colours. They saw it at the same time, leading to the second funniest moment in the episode: the silent elevator ride to the ground. Ivana made the top of the building quickly but then clearly misunderstood the clue and began looking all over the roof of the building for the marker rather than at the city. Even more shocking than Ivana’s miscue was Kenneth’s: he picked out the flag on top of the university and not the Race flag. Team Giver was forced to return to the building for another peek. Meanwhile, Ivana came to her senses and began scanning the city for the flag and quickly located it.

Meanwhile, Sam’s eyes had picked out the right clue and the couple arrived at the Morrin Centre to complete a puzzle recalling six tests during the season’s Legs and celebrating Canada 150. They were just starting to put things together when Ivana and Korey arrived in second place. Kenneth fixed his mistake and Team Giver was back in it: all three teams were working on their puzzles. It was a truly nail-biting test and the tension in the library was palpable. Kenneth and Ryan’s decision to, um, build the puzzle on the actual puzzle board rather than the floor paid off and they only had to place the six Canada 150-themed challenge tokens in the correct spots before departing to find host Jon Montgomery. Team Giver got it wrong and as they regrouped Sam and Paul got their six tokens correct and departed for ÃŽle d’Orléan’s and the final Pit Stop.

The only thing standing in the way of Sam and Paul’s victory was their lost cab driver. Thankfully, he steered them right and the pair were the winners of this season of The Amazing Race Canada.

Here’s how the teams finished The Amazing Race Canada:

  1. Sam and Paul
  2. Kenneth and Ryan
  3. Korey and Ivana

Are you happy with the final results? What did you think of this season of The Amazing Race Canada? Let me know in the comments below.

 

 

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Amazing Race Canada, Featured

The Amazing Race Canada: Feeling the squeeze in Saskatchewan

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Unless The Amazing Race Canada pulls a fast one on us, there are no more non-elimination Legs left for teams to rely on. Alliances are out the window and it’s every duo for themselves. At least, that’s how I’d play if I was participating in the Race.

Bert and Karen were saved from elimination in Panama, but there would be no respite in Regina when the teams all touched down in the prairie town on Tuesday. Sam and Paul, who have been stellar of late, were the first to leave for the airport with the spectre of the Double U-Turn hanging over all. Kenneth and Ryan were U-Turned by Sam and Paul earlier this season and were looking to return the favour. (I’m really hating how flights have been taken out of the equation so far this season. Part of the fun of splitting up flights was wondering how far ahead or behind teams were.)

I try to avoid including sponsor placement when reviewing The Amazing Race Canada, but Tuesday’s Leg included some pretty great work from BMO; the remaining teams helped hand out freshly-squeezed orange juice to some elementary school kids. The teams were clearly energized by the welcome they received, with Sam and Paul cutting and squeezing their way to completing the task first. The next stop: Rouleau, Sask., where teams met the cast of Corner Gas. Sigh. No, they did not. Hey, CTV, where was that product placement?!

In a stunning and brilliant gamble, Bert and Karen’s map skills paid off when they utilized a gravel road that vaulted them to the Rouleau farm in second place. The Detour offered teams the chance to get down and dirty doing work on the farm. In “Cart,” teams loaded canola seeds into a cart using a conveyor belt; in “Horse,” squads auctioned off animals in front of a crowd. Sam and Paul chose “Cart,” (I would have too) and were off. (Karen and Bert’s Speed Bump took place here as well; the married couple mucked out a horse stall, a relatively easy task that didn’t take long to complete.) Kenneth and Ryan chose “Horse,” and I predicted their gift for gab would serve them well. It took no time at all for them to memorize, perform and close out the bidding on the horse, putting them in first place and Sam and Paul on the brink of a U-Turn placed in front of the Dog River Hotel. Sam and Paul and Andrea and Adam both had their feeders lined up but didn’t know how to turn on the conveyor belt. Andrea and Adam had seeds loaded and ready, so they were a little ahead. Sam and Paul knew they were going to be U-Turned, and I wondered if they would have been allowed to stay at the farm rather than drive into town only to turn around and drive back? I guess the only option they had was to get to the hotel and U-turn someone else or hope another team would do that for them.

Team Giver was in complete control, heading for Moose Jaw with no one in their rearview mirror. Their task? To recreate a giant maple leaf sculpture out of soup cans. Back at the hotel, Ivana and Korey U-Turned Adam and Andrea, pitting two strong teams against one another in the horse auction. That left the road clear for Bert and Karen to advance to Moose Jaw. Kenneth and Ryan were on a roll, departing Crescent Park as Bert and Karen arrived. Korey and Ivana were determined to make up ground and made a critical mistake by stacking one can upside down in the middle of their art. As cans tumbled from Korey and Ivana’s display, Bert and Karen departed followed by Sam and Paul. Korey and Ivana made a huge mess but completed the task, leaving the park and siblings Adam and Andrea surrounded by soup cans and shattered dreams.

At the Road Block, one team member sought out their next clue in the middle of a bee hive: the queen bee. Kenneth had a head start but it was Sam who found the queen in his hive first, taking the lead from Team Giver and headed to the Pit Stop on an airfield surrounded by the Snowbirds air squadron. Sam and Paul arrived in first place yet again, cementing them as the team to beat.

Here’s how the teams finished this Leg of the Race:

  1. Sam and Paul (won a trip to Costa Rica)
  2. Kenneth and Ryan
  3. Karen and Bert
  4. Ivana and Korey
  5. Andrea and Adam (eliminated)

The Amazing Race Canada airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CTV.

Images courtesy of Bell Media.

 

 

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