The HostsDavid & Christie
David Whitehill
From Seaworld’s Dolphin Pools to an International Travel Show, David Whitehill seems to have done it all. This passionate Ocean Conservationist and most recently, host of Foxtel’s international travel series “Escape”, is making his mark.
Travelling to 13 different countries in the first series of Escape alone has given David the perfect world experience and that special element of international appeal.
Australia was first introduced to David Whitehill in 2002 when he was crowned Cleo magazines Bachelor of the Year. As a Dolphin Trainer at Sea World he claimed the Cleo crown with flying colours, rising above the likes of Kyle Sandilands, Brett Lee, and a long list of celebs. Adored for his down to earth charm, David (“Dolphin Boy”) is a natural talent with an obvious affinity with animals, the environment and the odd adrenalin rush.
With crown in hand, David hit the ground running, and was quickly snapped up by the Nine Network. He went straight to work on the networks then flagship national children’s program ‘Hot Source’ and so began his career in television.
While completing over 400 episodes of kids TV, David pursued his need for the outdoors by presenting for ‘Queensland Escapes’, where he travelled, sky and scuba dived his way through some of Queensland’s most alluring territory.
“My dream in life was to travel the world and work with the oceans and her beautiful animals. My experiences have been life changing!”
Next stop, co-host of the hugely successful and nationally broadcast music show ‘So Fresh’. For an impressive three years he brought the music world to Australian audiences and interviewed international musical superstars at the Arias, Teen Choice Awards and the MTV music awards.
David also started work with Kerri Anne Kennerley in 2004 and continues to be a regular and favoured face on her Morning show “Crossing live” and presenting feature stories for ‘Mornings with Kerri Anne’. David has travelled to Hawaii, America, and New Zealand filming travel and adventure stories for the show and in 2007 co-hosted the program with Kerri Anne while travelling through Europe.
In 2005 David got his first taste of Celebrity reality and became part of the celebrity line up for Channel Nine’s ‘Skating on Thin Ice’. Working alongside the likes of Jamie Durie, Imogen Bailey, and Deni Hines the Celebs put their bodies on the line and to a national audience became the first amateur skaters allowed to skate with “Disney On Ice”. They may be the last!
David has continued to work solidly as a presenter with regular spots on ‘Brisbane Extra’, (news and current affairs) and ‘Saturday Afternoon’ (travel). Amongst the chaos, David managed to squeeze in a month on the road, filming in Canada for Australian travel company Scenic Tours, for which he hosted and produced two travel specials which aired to over 5 million viewers.
This year David is concentrating on his true passion, the Ocean, and is in production of a brand new Television series (strictly confidential) to be finished in 2010. With his marine background and active and dedicated attitude to life, it’s the perfect mix. The series focuses on the incredible teams rescuing marine animals, from humpback whales to fairy penguins and all the creatures in between. It’s definitely a high energy ride!
In conjunction with this program, David is set to sail on this journey of a lifetime mid 2010 in a quest to highlight our amazing Continent and give people a new perspective on life. As founder of Our Blue Backyard Australia! life is keeping him very busy!
Not only has David worked as a successful face in front of the camera, but he is also the director of his own production company, set up to tackle a range of genres and projects. He has proved to be quite a force in the media arena.
Christie Lee Sharpe
Christie got her first taste of modelling success winning Miss Whitsunday in 2002. After years of international travel, she continued to pursue her modelling dream in 2007 when she won the National Final of Zoo Weekly Australian Swimwear Model of the Year. She featured in the 2008 calendar and was the runner up for Miss Calendar Girl Australia.
In 2003 Robbie William’s tour hit Australian shores and Christie was one of only four models picked for his press conference. She appeared with the International star on covers of news papers, magazines and television programmes all around the world.
Before starting her modelling career, Christie worked in High Street retail management in London and was also the National Sales Manager for a swimwear company based on the Gold Coast. With a definite love for travel, she has visited over 25 countries and was fortunate enough to volunteer in an Orphanage in China, a life changing experience.
“I remember spending countless weekends scuba diving and snorkelling. Growing up in one of the most beautiful places in the world definitely pulls at your heart strings, and makes you feel so strongly about wanting to protect it.”
Christie’s passion for marine life comes from the 10 years she lived in Airlie Beach in North Queensland, home to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. “I remember spending countless weekends scuba diving and snorkelling. Growing up in one of the most beautiful places in the world definitely pulls at your heart strings, and makes you feel so strongly about wanting to protect it.”
Christie’s background hasn’t always been glamorous and she’s had her fair share of challenges. After her parent’s divorce, she rebelled and being young was easily influenced.
“I took a few wrong turns and found myself in situations that were very testing. If I had my time again I wouldn’t change a thing because I’ve learnt some amazing lessons and it’s given me a special strength to help others.”
Through these troubled times Christie developed a passion for personal development, studying and following the work of speakers such as John Demartini. For the past 4 years she has been attending programs such as The Breakthrough Experience which focuses on helping people achieve greater clarity of purpose, self worth, appreciation and certainty in their lives.
“I started writing my first book about a year ago, it is a work in progress but my aim is to help young women and men with self esteem issues and realize their true potential so they too can follow their dreams.”
