Tammy Hembrow admits her personal life has been 'a lot' following her breakup with Matt Zukowski - and why TV series Shark! has been her saving grace

For years production companies have been desperately trying to get IT girl Tammy Hembrow to appear on their shows.

Now, Tammy Hembrow has revealed she was 'dealing with a lot' in her personal life when she made the surprising decision to sign up for Nine's ill-fated Shark! series.

The influencer, 32, told Daily Mail that she even shocked those around her when she agreed to take part in the extreme reality show after years of turning down similar opportunities.

'I think because it's something I've never seen before. It's not your typical reality show where it's all about the drama and all of that kind of stuff,' she said.

'It was something really different. And I love the ocean, and I was really keen to learn about sharks, do something a bit scary and exciting, so I had to say yes.'

Tammy revealed the decision surprised even those closest to her. 

Tammy Hembrow has revealed she was 'dealing with a lot' in her personal life when she made the surprising decision to sign up for Nine's ill-fated Shark! series 

 The influencer, 32, told Daily Mail that she even shocked those around her when she agreed to take part in the extreme reality show after years of turning down similar opportunities

'Everyone was a bit shocked. They were like, "You're kinda known for saying no to shows,"' she said.

The mother-of-three said she was also looking for something that would push her outside her comfort zone following her breakup with Matt Zukowski.

'I do love anything that's gonna put me out of my comfort zone and be a bit different, a bit scary,' she explained.

'The timing as well was really good for me. Yeah, I was dealing with a lot, and I felt like it could be something that I really needed.'

Tammy said stepping away from her normal routine ultimately proved life-changing.

Looking back on the experience, she described it as unlike anything she had ever done before.

'It was the most incredible experience of my life,' Tammy said.

'Thinking back now, it doesn't even seem real, so I'm excited to watch it on TV.' 

'I think because it's something I've never seen before. It's not your typical reality show where it's all about the drama and all of that kind of stuff,' she said 

'It was something really different. And I love the ocean, and I was really keen to learn about sharks, do something a bit scary and exciting, so I had to say yes,' she continued 

She also credited her fellow cast members for helping her overcome her fears during filming.

'We all were really good at hyping each other up, and we were such a little family by the end of it,' she said.

'So I feel like I definitely wouldn't have been able to do it without any of them.'

The experience has even left the social media star open to future reality television opportunities.

'It honestly was fun doing a reality show, so I wouldn't say never,' she said.

'But I guess it just depends on what the show would be.'

For now, Tammy is focused on taking life one day at a time.

'I'm just going with the flow at the moment,' she said.

'There's a lot happening. Obviously this is happening right now, so I'm just taking things day by day.'

It comes after Daily Mail exclusively revealed that Tammy signed a five-figure deal to replace Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby as host of Aussie Shore. 

The mother-of-three said she was also looking for something that would push her outside her comfort zone following her breakup with Matt Zukowski. Both pictured

According to insiders, negotiations between Paramount+ and Tammy had been taking place for several months before a deal was finalised.

'Paramount+ wanted someone who already had a massive following and could bring a fresh energy to the format,' one source claimed. 'Tammy ticked every box. 

'She's become one of the most talked-about personalities in Australia and executives believe she is exactly the kind of star Aussie Shore needs right now,' they added.

The casting decision comes as Tammy's profile within television circles continues to skyrocket following Channel Nine's new reality series Shark!

Industry insiders say network executives were impressed by Tammy's performance and audience appeal, with several broadcasters now viewing her as one of the country's most bankable reality personalities.

'Shark! opened a lot of doors,' another source claimed.

'People were already aware of Tammy's social media influence, but television executives have now seen what she can bring to a major entertainment format.'

While Aussie Shore marks Tammy's biggest hosting-style television role to date, sources suggest it may only be the beginning of her relationship with Paramount+.

Insiders claim executives have been discussing additional opportunities for the influencer across the streaming platform's growing slate of unscripted programming.

'There are definitely more conversations happening,' the source alleged.

Insiders claim the fitness influencer has signed on with Paramount+, with rumours suggesting she is set to replace Charlotte Crosby, 36, on Aussie Shore

Production officially kicked off on Friday, with the series relocating from Cairns to a sprawling luxury mansion on the Gold Coast in what insiders describe as a 'massive visual upgrade' for the franchise

The $4million, seven-bedroom, 8,170sqm Gold Coast estate is owned by a very famous social media star, who boasts 11.1million followers across TikTok and Instagram

'Paramount+ sees Tammy as someone who can attract younger viewers and subscribers. This isn't being viewed as a one-off project.'

The move also represents a significant changing of the guard for Aussie Shore, with Charlotte having become synonymous with the franchise following her involvement in previous seasons.

However, insiders insist Paramount+ executives are thrilled with the direction the series is taking.

'They're incredibly happy with Tammy,' the source claimed.

'They think she'll be a fantastic addition and bring a completely different dynamic to the show.'