Plea: Put Dame Lynda Topp on every television show right now

Dame Lynda Topp's recent appearance on Guy Mont Spelling Bee has sparked widespread praise and calls for her to appear on every television show immediately. During the episode, Topp, who is 68 years old, delivered a performance that combined sharp wit, emotional vulnerability, and unapologetic humor, leaving both the audience and fellow panellists in awe. Hosted by Guy Montgomery, the episode featured Topp alongside Madeleine Sami, Jeremy Corbett, and Lesa MacLeod-Whiting. Topp's remarks were particularly poignant given the context of her twin sister Jools' ongoing battle with cancer, which was mentioned during the show. Topp opened the episode by referencing her late twin, stating, “We all know that my sister has had cancer for many years and she was going to be here today. Unfortunately she’s doing her radiation, which is probably great for me, because she’s a much better speller.” This heartfelt introduction set the tone for a performance that balanced personal grief with comedic brilliance. Despite the somber backdrop, Topp quickly shifted focus to the challenge at hand, showcasing her formidable spelling skills and irreverent sense of humor. Throughout the episode, Topp demonstrated an uncanny ability to command attention and turn mundane tasks into elaborate spectacles. In one segment, she confidently spelled the word “gravy” without hesitation, quipping, “I think that is part of your plan: you talk a lot of shit to people before they get a chance to spell the word.” She went on to mock the host, saying, “Get the word out and then let him have his moment.” Her comments were met with laughter and admiration from the audience and her fellow panellists, who seemed momentarily overwhelmed by her presence. Another highlight came during a segment focused on hobbies, where Topp launched into a detailed explanation of crafting fishing flies. “I am imitating insects, either a nymph and emerger, or a dry fly, that will trick a trout,” she explained. “You are making it in the darkness of your room with the light and your magnifying glass, because it is a size 18 hook that I’m using.” Her technical knowledge and theatrical delivery left the host, Guy Montgomery, visibly stunned, remarking, “Saves me asking later.” Topp’s performance also included elements of physical comedy. When asked to examine a cubist portrait of herself, she dramatically tried on several pairs of glasses from thin air before settling on a pair of aviators. “It looks like Jools, it doesn’t look like me!” she exclaimed, adding, “I’m spelling Picasso ‘frenetically’ (and incorrectly).” Her humorous take on the situation was met with laughter, though her misstep underscored the unpredictable nature of her act. Earlier this year, Topp had already made headlines with her fiery speech at the Aotearoa Music Awards, where she passionately defended the arts and called for unity in the face of potential threats. “If someone invades Aotearoa, what are we going to do?” she asked. “You put Alien Weaponry up the front and you put Dick Move beside them, and you put Hori Shaw on a horse in behind them and I’m going to be at the top of the hill, ain’t nobody going to get through us, baby!” Her latest appearance has reignited discussions about the importance of preserving spontaneous, boundary-pushing entertainment. As viewers continue to share clips and praise, the call for Topp to appear on more shows grows louder. Whether through her unique brand of humor, her candidness about personal struggles, or her fearless approach to television, Topp has proven once again that she is a force of comedic energy and emotional resonance.