Hilary Timmins

Hilary Timmins became a quiz show staple in the 1980s, working alongside John Hawkesby across five seasons of iconic show It’s in the Bag. The one-time model went on to host the live Lotto draw for more than 15 years. In 1999 she became the first Kiwi woman to take centre stage on a Kiwi quiz show, when she filled in as the main presenter of Lotto television show Telebingo. In 2011 Timmins moved to London. She made a return to the screen in 2020, directing, writing and presenting Dream Catchers. The series celebrates the success stories of more than 30 Kiwis who have made an impact in the United Kingdom. 

Lotto's Hilary Timmins will make television game show history when she fronts Telebingo in January. It is understood to be the first time a woman has taken on the quiz master's role in New Zealand. Writer Kim Newth in the Sunday Star-Times, 20 December 1998