Perth actor Jamie Ward joked about flies in his hometown during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show—but the “fly epidemic” was Clarkson’s description of her visits, not a verified or officially declared event.
What Jamie Ward and Kelly Clarkson said about Perth
In PerthNow’s account of the interview, Clarkson asked Ward where in Australia he was from. He replied, “I’m from the west coast, Perth,” and Clarkson said she had toured the city. She then recalled visiting several times and feeling she had arrived during “some kind of fly epidemic.” Ward joked that sticky flies were “why I got out of there.”
The exchange was a light anecdote, not a report of a confirmed outbreak. PerthNow did not establish the scale or species of flies Clarkson encountered, or describe current conditions in Perth.
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Why Ward was on the show
Ward appeared while promoting a Romeo-and-Juliet musical film. PerthNow identifies him as a Yokine-raised actor and WAAPA graduate, and says he plays Romeo opposite Clara Rugaard as Juliet, with Rebel Wilson as Lady Capulet. It describes the movie as an original pop musical based on the real story that inspired Shakespeare’s play.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →BroadwayWorld’s contemporaneous 14 May 2025 coverage calls the film Juliet & Romeo and describes it as a pop-music reimagining. Its note that the film was then in theaters is historical, not confirmation of where it can be watched now.
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The cork-hat aside
The conversation also touched on wide-brim hats with corks that Ward associated with Australians. Clarkson said she had worn one, joking, “I’m jumping in, Crocodile Dundee it is.” The anecdote was not a recommendation or a claim that the hats prevent fly bites.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about the fly reference
Clarkson’s “epidemic” wording, as reported by PerthNow, describes her impression during visits. It should not be read as an official public-health or pest declaration. ABC News reported in January 2019 that hot summer conditions could speed breeding for the native Australian sheep blowfly, citing University of Queensland professor David Merritt. That dated national context does not identify the flies Clarkson encountered or establish conditions in Perth in 2025 or today.
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