I don’t think there’s anyone more down to earth or more lovable on Aussie television than Joh Griggs. This sporting legend turned TV host is 100% the real deal, and her passion for design sees her operate her own business outside of her hosting commitments (making her one very busy lady!).
I grabbed some time with Joh ahead of Better Homes & Gardens Live – starting next month – to ask her about the show, life away from the camera and her exciting involvement in the upcoming Rio Olympic games coverage. She was even kind enough to share some goss on the upcoming Joh Griggs design show!
Joh Griggs on her New Show and Life Behind the Camera
Thanks for chatting to TLC Interiors, Joh! Last time we spoke you mentioned itching to do a personal build or some more renos. Any good news for you on that front?
“We are absolutely getting itchy feet, but it’s been a pretty full on year. Apart from Better Homes and Gardens, and House Rules, I’ve also been hosting Road to Rio and many of the lead up events, prepping for the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, BHG Live and my work with Beyond Blue.
We actually just told all the real estate agents who were ringing us just to hold off for a while as we have enough on our plate. So to get my fix, I’ve just finished painting our accommodation hut up the farm and when I get back, can focus on decorating it, finish painting the sheds, and start my veggie patch. The great thing about a farm, is there’s always work to do”.
I imagine life on the farm is very different to live in front of the camera. How do you juggle the two?
“Very easily. My work life is absolutely crazy, with loads of travel, long days, lots of interaction with people and lots of bosses to answer to. When I drive to the farm, I feel the worries of the world disappear. Everything is so simple there.
I get to cook, entertain, walk with my dogs, and hang with my cows. I also like to watch the people around me do the same. Everyone slows down the pace of their lives and just enjoys themselves doing the most simple of things”.
“We are doing a design show… I’ve been wanting to do this for years so fingers crossed it goes well”.
Better Homes & Gardens keeps going from strength to strength. What do you put its success down to?
“It’s a very passionate team on and off camera. Everyone who works on the show genuinely loves the program. I’m certain at the end of the day, the fact that we love what we do shines through. We are also constantly evolving the show… What content we make, how we shoot it, what format we shoot it in, how we present it and how we interact as a team.
The show itself is a bit of a phenomenon – as its been on so long, it’s now very much a part of people’s routines. When we do live shows, we often have generations of families coming up telling us their week is not complete without watching Better Homes and Gardens which is such an honour and a privilege”.
Better Homes & Gardens Live is such a huge undertaking. Are you ready for the events? And what is it you love about them?
“I am and I can’t wait. My favourite thing is we actually get to engage with people who actually watch and love the show. They get to see how genuine and all consuming our passion is for the show. They also get to see how much fun our on camera team is. They are a very funny, articulate bunch who can all talk with a mouthful of marbles underwater.
This year the Sydney event will be pretty full on for me, as I’ll be hosting the Paralympics till 11am each morning and then heading straight to BHG live each day till closing.
We also have a new show with our Architect Peter Colquhoun who I do all the amazing House Walkthroughs with on the show. We are doing a design show, giving people tips and tricks for prepping for a Reno or rebuild, what they need to do, what to look out for and also some design inspiration.
I’ve been wanting to do this for years so fingers crossed it goes well”.
Road to Rio has allowed you to tap back into your passion and knowledge of sport. Do you love getting to do that?
“I do. It has been an absolute blast and has helped get me back into what I call the Olympic Bubble. Once you’re in there it’s pretty consuming and you need to be across so much and so many sports.
Road To Rio has been a cracking little show, where for 10 weeks leading into the games we cover everything relating to the team, announcements, scandals, big names and final preps. I have been having an absolute ball. It has also helped get me really excited about the games”.
Is there anything coming up for you for the rest of 2016 you can share? And can we expect more House Rules in 2017?
“We sure can. I’m absolutely pumped to be hosting the Paralympics in September. It will be my first time covering a Paralympics and something I’ve always wanted to do. I hope I get the opportunity to do many more in the future.
We were also able to announce during our live Grand Final that we will be going again for another season of House Rules, which means it will be another busy end to the year for me as well.
Apart from that, I’ll be plugging away with Better Homes and Gardens as we gear up for our 21st year on air next year, as well as BHG Live in Melbourne, and depending on when House Rules will shoot again, will most likely be involved in Seven’s Spring carnival coverage, and the Tennis to kick start off the new year as well”.
Better Homes & Gardens Live
Joh Griggs will be joining the rest of the BH&G team for Better Homes & Gardens Live 2016. Enjoy days of interactive fun across both Sydney and Melbourne this September and October.
Sydney shows are from 16 – 18 September at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
Melbourne shows are from 14 – 16 October at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Click here for more information and to grab tickets.
Are you going to see Joh Griggs and the team at Better Homes & Gardens Live?
