LOCAL Presenter Paul Metcalfe is looking forward to hosting the inaugural Wokingham’s Got Talent event on 29th July 2023 at Peach Place in Wokingham 12pm-6pm. His experience spans over 20 years of comparing live events and TV programmes.
Over the years he’s been involved with some hugely popular projects, such as hosting on the world’s biggest shopping channel QVC, television spin-offs including Family Fortunes as a live UK tour, and more recently touring the country hosting alongside the iconic Coca-Cola Christmas truck and last year I was given the honour of hosting at London Pride for Coca-Cola in front of thousands of people something I will never forget.
As a jobbing actor, he’s had cameos in mainstream soaps, TV adverts and pantomime.
“Early on in my career, I worked on cruise ships and holiday parks as a Butlins red coat, following in the footsteps of many famous entertainers. I even had a brief stint performing in a boy band. But it was the presenting where I got the real bug,” says Metcalfe.
“Most recently, I hosted a huge event in central London called Disney’s Wonder of Friendship to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Disney. My biggest job for them was comparing live shows for the live of Frozen at the O2. This included me presenting, singing and doing magic, another passion of mine,” says Metcalfe.
“Talent shows like this are so important to showcase emerging talent in the local area and give them a platform to help kickstart their career,” says Metcalfe. “I myself got my first break purely by being in the right place at the right time.
“I was working backstage on a CBBC event called the Big Bash at the NEC in Birmingham and someone was on stage warming up the crowd. I didn’t think he was doing a particularly good job, so I just grabbed a microphone and ran out on stage and started to get the crowd going. I don’t really remember what I was thinking – all I remember was seeing the microphone and the next thing I knew I was on stage with a cheering crowd in the audience. I got such a huge buzz from the crowd and from that point on, I knew I wanted to be on the stage entertaining people for a living.”
Paul’s energy and enthusiasm for presenting his seen him travel the world hosting events for conferences and exhibitions. He really enjoys the variety of work that presenting brings.
“Every day is different for me, as one day I could be hosting a dog show in Banbury or a game show spinning a wheel on a beach in Croatia,” says Metcalfe. “I love travelling and my work has seen me travel to Paris, Amsterdam and Malta. One of my favourite international events was hosting a gameshow giving away a Cartier watch,” says Metcalfe.
Paul’s presenting saw him firmly embedded in the London scene, living and working in the capital, but the pandemic changed all that.
“I used to visit my best friend in Wokingham regularly as a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the London bubble, and instantly fell in love with the town,” says Metcalfe. “When the pandemic hit, all my work dried up and I soon realised I didn’t need to be in London anymore. I decided to take the plunge and move to Wokingham. I’ve never looked back and I love the friendliness of the town and its people,” says Metcalfe. “Since moving here three years ago, I’ve made many friends and it’s a privilege to be asked to present such a big event in the town’s calendar.
I’m so looking forward to seeing the amazing talent Wokingham has to offer and getting involved with more events in the future,” says Metcalfe.
Find out more about Paul at www.paulmetcalfe.tv
Who he?
Marina Ruette no idea