Adam Hills on King’s Birthday vs Rugby | Culture
Adam Hills,renowned comedian and host of “Spicks and Specks,” chose rugby league training over an invitation too King Charles’s 70th birthday celebration,a bold move capturing the essence of the man. He recounts a mortifying experiance wiht rugby players George Burgess and Ben Te’o, adding a layer of relatable humor. Hills also playfully labels fellow comedian Wil Anderson his “fremesis” due to mistaken identities, a common theme that adds nuance to his public persona. From a stagehand stint to his ”spicks and Specks” success, Hills’s journey is both entertaining and insightful. News Directory 3 offers these cultural insights. Discover what’s next for the comedian and his plans.
Adam Hills Chooses Rugby Over royalty, Recalls Celebrity Encounters
Updated June 15, 2025
Comedian Adam Hills admits he once declined an invitation to King Charles’s 70th birthday celebration in favor of attending disability rugby league training. Hills, host of “Spicks and Specks,” saeid he had previously visited Buckingham Palace and was more interested in playing rugby with his mates.
Hills said he met Charles, then a prince, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. Charles offered a “namaste” gesture instead of a handshake.
Hills also shared a cringe-worthy celebrity encounter involving rugby players George Burgess and Ben Te’o. After the South Sydney Rabbitohs, his favorite team, played a match in England, Hills found himself in a bar with the team. After having too many drinks, he confused rugby league and rugby union while talking to Burgess and Te’o. He said the players looked at him like he was a “moron.”
When asked about competing against fellow “Spicks and Specks” stars Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough in a different arena, Hills chose tennis, confident in his current form.
Reflecting on past jobs, Hills recalled working as a stagehand at Channel Nine, operating the video wall for “Australia’s Funniest Home Videos.” However, he cited de-rigging the staff Christmas party, including mopping up urine, as his strangest job.
Hills also jokingly identified fellow comedian Wil Anderson as his “fremesis” because people often mistake them for each other. He said the confusion stems from their simultaneous presence on ABC Wednesday nights and Anderson’s radio show with Adam Spencer.
Hills recounted a story about Anderson being offered a hand massage on a long flight, with the crew member saying he would have received “extra” had he been Adam Hills.
“Actually,I’d much rather go to rugby training… That beats King Charles any day. No offense.”
What’s next
Hills continues to host “Spicks and Specks,” with the 20th Anniversary Gig airing June 15 on ABC.