Jeremy Wells
Jeremy Wells | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 19, 1977 Auckland, New Zealand |
| Occupation(s) | Media personality, television presenter, radio host |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Known for | Co-hosting Radio Hauraki breakfast programme, presenting Seven Sharp, hosting Taskmaster New Zealand |
Jeremy Wells (born 19 January 1977) is a prominent New Zealand media figure known for co-hosting the Radio Hauraki breakfast programme with Manaia Stewart, presenting Seven Sharp alongside Hilary Barry, and leading Taskmaster New Zealand.
Career
Wells' television career commenced in 1997 with MTV New Zealand, followed by his role as Newsboy on Mikey Havoc's show. After their professional separation, he took on hosting duties for TVNZ's Eating Media Lunch and fronted satirical series such as The Unauthorised History of New Zealand (2005) and an installment of Intrepid Journeys (2007). His distinctive deadpan delivery has been recognized as both engaging and unique.
In November 2003, Wells attracted attention when Eating Media Lunch parodied the current affairs show Target, portraying actors as camera crew involved in outrageous misconduct. Although this led to complaints from viewers, the Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled that no broadcasting standards were violated.
During a 1999 tour, Wells and Havoc controversially dubbed Gore the gay capital of New Zealand. Upon returning in 2008 to report on the general election, Wells encountered hostility from local inhabitants, necessitating police protection.
In 2010, Wells produced the documentary The Grand Tour, which followed the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra during their tour. This project underscored his passion for classical music and included interviews with musicians such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Before transitioning to Radio Hauraki, Wells co-hosted The Saturday Special on bFM alongside Steve Simpson. In 2014, he joined Radio Hauraki's breakfast show as co-host with Matt Heath and Laura McGoldrick.
From 2018 onward, Wells has co-presented TVNZ's Seven Sharp with Hilary Barry and has served as host of Taskmaster New Zealand since 2020, with Paul Williams assisting him.
In November 2020, Wells was honored on David Hartnell MNZM's Best Dressed List as one of the most stylish men in the entertainment industry.
Personal life
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Wells is the son of sports administrators Sir John Wells and Sheryl, Lady Wells. He was expelled during his sixth form at the prestigious Wanganui Collegiate School after providing marijuana oil to a recovering drug user. Subsequently, he attended St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton. In 2005, Wells was awarded a Bravo by the New Zealand Skeptics for his skeptical critique of psychics and mediums featured on Eating Media Lunch.