The highly anticipated reality competition series “Spillet” (The Game) premiered on TV 2 last week, bringing together 18 celebrities as they navigate a complex social survival game.
Among the contestants is professional poker player and former model Aylar Lie (42). This marks her first foray into reality television since appearing on the inaugural season of “Farmen kjendis” (Celebrity Farm) in 2017.
Speaking with Dagbladet at a press event for “Spillet,” Lie opened up about her decision to return to reality television after a decade away from the spotlight.
“I’m one of the few people in Norway who actually makes a living playing a game – without sponsors,” Lie explained. “It comes naturally to participate in a TV program that’s about playing, even if it’s not poker. It was incredibly fun, and I got to know a lovely group of people.”
“I Chose to Stay Private”
Inside the “Spillet” house, contestants are constantly surrounded by each other, with limited opportunities for privacy. For Lie, this wasn’t necessarily an advantage.
“Playing poker can be social, but it’s not a benefit for me. I actually live a fairly isolated and introverted life. I either nerd out in front of the computer or participate in tournaments, so I spend a lot of time alone,” she said, continuing, “So this is a very unnatural setting for me.”
“I tried continuously to make myself seem harmless. But when you’re a poker player and make a living at it, you come in with a target on your back. I feel I was perceived as a large threat the moment I walked into the room. So I felt like I had to try to build trust and try to make myself seem less threatening. That meant I chose to stay in the background a bit.”
Lie admitted to Dagbladet that she has received “an extremely large number” of requests for various programs. But, for the past ten years, she has chosen to live a private life.
“I’ve barely been in Norway, and there haven’t been any programs that have been tempting,” she said.
But this time, she thought, “Why not?”
“There were two reasons for that. I negotiated a really good deal, that’s obviously vital. But it’s primarily because I think it’s a cool program. I always thought that if I were to do TV, it would be ‘Spillet’ I’d want to be on.”
Lie explained that she initially attempted to remain under the radar. “I felt like I had to try to build trust and try to make myself seem less threatening. That meant I chose to stay in the background a bit.”
“Completely Absurd”
Lie, who has largely stayed out of the public eye for the past decade, described her lifestyle as anything but conventional.
“I don’t really need this anymore. It was fun to be a part of this, but I don’t live for reality TV. I’ve been staying in hotels for ten years, traveling the world and playing poker. So this is a very unnatural setting for me,” she said.
“I live in a suitcase and travel a lot, but I don’t really enjoy vacations. The worst thing I know is airports, and I’m so tired of traveling,” she added.
