Love for adventure lands mother of four Tess McKenna on new reality TV show Million Dollar Island

Albany-raised mum Tess McKenna is hoping she can win $1 million when new reality show Million Dollar Island hits the television screens around Australia on Monday night. McKenna grew up in Albany before moving to Perth and is among the 100 contestants that were dumped on a remote island to fight for the chance to win $1 million. The Channel Seven show is being billed as the new “social experiment” with contestants needing to survive harsh conditions with limited means while competing in games and building alliances. McKenna jumped at the chance to apply for the show and said she loved a challenge. “The show popped up on Facebook and I made a joke to my partner, ‘I could do that’,” she said. “The prize money looks pretty good and I love to try new things and I like adventure and a challenge. “I’ve got a really big family, we have a blend of six kids and there are a lot of expenses so I would love to set the family up and relieve some stress of the future. “To have a chance to provide something for my family was a huge reason I did it.” McKenna works as a personal trainer while juggling a busy family life and said she prepared as best she could for the new show. “I did a lot of music and theatre growing up in Albany,” she said. “I have four kids myself and two stepkids so full-time care of six, which can be challenging. “All the contestants that were chosen were told to expect to be away for a maximum of six weeks, depending on how you went. “My partner took time off work and I got as organised as I could at home. “I told the kids I was going to an island to look for some treasure and they were really excited.” The 28-year-old said it was an experience she will never have again. “I loved the whole thing,” McKenna said. “Meeting people on the show was such a highlight and it was the experience of a lifetime. “People can expect me to be my authentic, genuine self and I’m not afraid to stand up for myself as you will see. “Watching it back will be a big dose of nostalgia and it will bring back memories but I’m going to love it and will be proud to show my family what I did.” Million Dollar Island airs on Channel Seven on Monday, June 12.