Clarke Gayford

Clarke Timothy Gayford was born on 24 October 1977^[1] in Gisborne, New Zealand and is a former music show presenter for the New Zealand music channel C4 as well as a radio host and former reality television contestant. He worked for Prime on the television show United Travel Getaway. He now works for MORE FM as the new Drivetime host between 4 pm and 7 pm weekdays.

Early years

Born and raised in Gisborne, as well as spending part of his late teens in Palmerston North, Clarke classed himself as a popular geek. He attended Makauri Primary, Gisborne Intermediate and Lytton High School in Gisborne and Palmerston North Boys' High School in Palmerston North where he was reportedly picked on extensively by older students. Growing up, Clarke wanted to become either a commercial fisherman or an actor.^{[citation needed]}

Before C4

While studying at the University of Otago, Gayford was instrumental in the creation of Cow TV on Channel 9. He then moved to Christchurch to study at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, and graduated NZBS with a BBC degree and in 2000 - 2001.

Clarke worked alongside Jason Reeves and JJ Feeney on The Edge FM. Clarke's first TV appearance was on Treasure Island 2 where he gained infamy for "seducing" one of the female contestants. It was never confirmed whether or not anything happened between them on the island but the show implied more off-camera romance.

He also gained notoriety for being the outdoors hunter gatherer on the show, trapping and killing a pig, much to the distress of his mother. He did make it to the final two but was runner-up to Tanya Pouwhare. Once the show's third season aired, he was soon forgotten about, paving the way for him as a radio host on the now defunct radio station, Channel Z.

C4

Completely revamping his attitude as a laid-back, sarcastic joker, Clarke auditioned for C4 before the channel took over the flailing Channel 4 and has been with the station through thick and thin from the very beginning.

He was the co-presenter for Homegrown and Special Features alongside Jane Yee, who replaced Jacquie Brown in 2005. He has also presented Top 10 and has done a lot of C4's feature documentaries including going on overseas trips for the station.

Clarke's confidence has grown throughout the time he has been on C4 to the point where he has presented the show in a blond 1980s mullet, tight leopard print pants and a black singlet as well as totally in the nude, much to his so-called embarrassment. Through C4, he and many of the other presenters get to celebrate New Years Eve in Clarke's home town of Gisborne at the annual Rhythm and Vines concert.

Post C4

In February 2007, Gayford left C4 to present United Travel Getaway on Prime Television New Zealand. He is also a model for male fashion chain Barkers. MORE FM Network drive hosts Josh & Tom announced on their Facebook page on the 27th March 2011 that Clarke would be replacing them on the MORE FM drive show, from 4 pm to 7 pm weekdays.

References

External links

• Check out The George Selectah with Clarke Gayford on George FM.