Lee Juggurnauth: From Music Industry Executive to Beloved ‘A Place In The Sun’ Host
Lee Juggurnauth, the charismatic presenter of ‘A Place In The Sun What Happened Next?’, transitioned from a prominent career in the music industry to achieve his aspiration of becoming a television host. Prior to gracing Channel 4 screens, the 36-year-old personality dedicated a decade to the music realm, commencing as an intern and subsequently collaborating with music icons such as Take That, Billy Ocean, and Lulu, the latter remaining a close confidante.
Motivated by Childhood Aspirations
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, Juggurnauth detailed the impetus behind his career shift to television. “The music industry was a fantastic experience,” he acknowledged. “However, my passion for television has been ingrained since childhood. As a person of colour, I vividly recall watching television with enthusiasm but also noticing a lack of representation. I remember questioning my mother, around the age of five or six, about the absence of people who looked like me on screen. Her response was inconclusive, and this observation resonated deeply throughout my formative years.”
Navigating Career Paths
“As I matured and contemplated my strengths and weaknesses,” Juggurnauth continued, “I recognized my academic abilities, but a traditional academic path didn’t appeal to me. While I enjoyed literature and languages, television consistently drew me back. My entry into the music industry was somewhat serendipitous; fresh from university, an internship opportunity arose, and I pursued it.”
“Within the music sector, I progressed steadily, gaining invaluable experiences through travel, collaborating with remarkable artists, and acquiring extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry from diverse perspectives.”
“This exposure to varied viewpoints proved to be incredibly enriching,” he affirmed.
Pursuing Television Dreams
Driven by his ambition, Juggurnauth actively honed his performance capabilities by undertaking coaching in improvisation, dialect, and delivery, alongside acting workshops.
He strategically accumulated on-camera experience through smaller projects, building his confidence before the opportunity with ‘A Place In The Sun’ materialized.
Embracing ‘A Place In The Sun’
“I have been a part of ‘A Place In The Sun’ for nearly five years, an experience I consider a true blessing and deeply cherish,” he expressed with enthusiasm.
“Even before joining the show, ‘A Place In The Sun’ was a staple in my viewing habits. I genuinely enjoyed watching it, and I have a strong affinity for property. The opportunity to be involved has been wonderful.”
Catch Lee on ‘A Place In The Sun’
‘A Place In The Sun What Happened Next’ airs on Channel 4 weekdays at 6pm