Live television is always full of surprises, but even the most seasoned hosts can be caught off guard by an unexpected twist—especially when it comes from the audience! That’s exactly what happened on the set of the ABC’s much-loved quiz show, Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee, when a cheeky audience member decided to get a little too involved in the action.

For those who haven’t tuned in yet, Guy Mont-Spelling Bee is a hilarious and fast-paced show where some of Australia’s favourite personalities are put to the test—not with trivia, but with their spelling skills. Hosted by the quick-witted comedian Guy Montgomery, the show has quickly become a favourite for anyone who loves a good laugh and a bit of wordplay.



But during the filming of the soon-to-be-released second season, things took an unexpected turn. Chinese comedian He Huang was in the hot seat, grappling with a tricky question about flags. After some deliberation, she locked in her answer: 'Austria.' Just as the tension was peaking, a voice rang out from the audience—'Poland!'—correcting her on the spot.

The room was stunned. The contestants stared in disbelief, and host Guy Montgomery was visibly shocked. '(That’s) absolutely illegal,' he declared, half-joking, as the audience erupted in laughter. It was a moment of pure, unscripted chaos—one that could have easily been left on the cutting room floor.


But not on Guy’s watch! Speaking to news.com.au, Montgomery explained why he insisted the moment stay in the final cut. 'I like that in the world of the show, we can just sort of roll with that,' he said. 'It’s incredibly unusual and kind of funny, and I guess it builds on the lunacy and the madness of the universe that we’re trying to have inside the spelling bee.'

Montgomery went on to say that the show tends to attract 'word nerds' and people who pride themselves on their spelling prowess. So, it’s no wonder that the excitement—and maybe a bit of frustration—sometimes bubbles over. 'It was just a moment of, not madness, but something got away from them where they had to pitch in,' he said, clearly amused by the whole affair.

When asked if he had any advice for future audience members, Montgomery didn’t miss a beat: 'Keep your mouth shut! Pull your frickin head in!' he joked, proving that he’s just as quick on his feet off-camera as he is on.



Of course, the show is about more than just spelling—it’s about having fun, embracing the unexpected, and celebrating the quirks that make live television so entertaining. And with a line-up that includes big names like Tim Minchin, Wil Anderson, Urzila Carlson, Tony Armstrong, and, in the upcoming season, Hamish Blake, Julia Morris, Rove McManus, Denise Scott, Becky Lucas, Josh Thomas, and Dave Hughes, there’s never a dull moment.

Montgomery himself is especially excited about having Hamish Blake on the show this season. 'I grew up a fan… he’s such an influential Australian television comedy figure,' he shared.

If you’re keen for a laugh and want to see what all the fuss is about, Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee returns for its second season on Wednesday, 4 June at 8.35pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview. Whether you’re a spelling whiz or just in it for the giggles, it’s the perfect show to brighten up your week.




Have you ever witnessed something unexpected at a live show or event? Or maybe you’ve been tempted to shout out an answer yourself! We’d love to hear your stories—share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!