Happening: Carissa Walford

28 July 2011

Carissa Walford is only 23, but has been in the TV industry for quite a while, as TMN discovered. She joins Channel [V] as a permanent host, making her debut last weekend on the live return of The Riff.

Congrats on the new role. Could you briefly outline your past broadcasting career?

Thanks a lot, I’m super excited. I worked for Fuel TV for five years as a TV presenter, interviewing all the skaters and surfers and doing live crosses at all the events. I also got to host my own show websoup, which is an American comedy show that Fuel TV bought the rights for which basically involved taking the piss out of stupid videos you find on YouTube.

I also hosted Attack of the Show in LA replacing Olivia Munn, and worked for FTV [Fashion TV Australia], interviewing celebs and designers on the red carpet and whatnot. I also just finished up hosting a show on GO! called After Dark, a lifestyle show showcasing all the cool and hip restaurants in Sydney.

You moved across from Fox Sports. What prompted the change in scenery?

I started putting on weight and couldn’t fit in my bikini anymore so I had no choice really (laughs). Fuel TV was a great platform for me in the TV world; I learnt a lot and got some great exposure and surfed with Occy [Mark Occhilupo]. I mean it couldn’t get any better than that, but for the love of music I moved over to Channel [V], for a change, a challenge and to basically move forward in my career as a TV presenter.

Have you any idea what is expected of you at Channel [V]? Is music presenting a natural fit for your style, or will you be adapting?

Not a lot to adapt to besides having to deal with the other presenters and sharing the spotlight! Music has been a passion of mine since I was born really; my Dad’s a singer and in a band and as soon as I could talk I started singing and had a dream to be a recording artist.

I’ve trained in Performing Arts since I was four and left school and started gigging around, dancing around, modeling, went to NIDA [National Institute of Dramatic Arts] and whatever else I could do to get my name out there! I soon learnt that winning Australian Idol was the only way I’d get signed; I even tried out for it.

You are also a musician? Is this a path you plan to follow professionally?

Yeah I’m a singer, I tried. It’s more of a hobby now, singing in the car or the shower. But you never know.... You’ve done some modelling work in the past. How did you get involved in this world? Needed some extra cash! I just got an agent and rolled with it..

Who is on your dream interview list?

Beyonce!

How was the experience of working on Attack Of The Show in LA?

Besides getting the job here at [V], probably the best experience of my life in terms of TV presenting and work was that show. Live TV gives you such a buzz and I loved that feeling.

The Riff is a live show. Do you prefer this medium?

I work better under pressure, I think! So I like live [television] for that reason and you see the best of my personality live, I feel. It’s a lot of fun and the best part is you never know what’s going to happen!

On the eve of your first show [which aired last Saturday July 23], how are you feeling? Are you prepared?

I’m going to get really trashed the night before and hope for the best. No, I wont; I’ll be tucked away in bed at 7pm for some much needed beauty sleep and so I can be on the ball on Saturday morning! Wish me luck ....