Who Are The Omaze Presenters?

Have you spotted the new faces of Omaze yet? We have some exciting additions to our gorgeous presenting team, to help us celebrate all our incredible houses, brilliant winners and extraordinary charities to the full.

So, come on, don’t be a stranger. Because, who knows? One of these fabulous five could be about to knock on your front door.

Jo Pickard

Let’s hear it for Jo. The unrivalled master of suspense–surprising our Grand Prize Winners, revealing just how much we’ve raised for our amazing charity partners and generally putting the ‘Oh!’ into Omaze since day dot. They don’t call her Jomaze for nothing!

Favourite Omaze moment so far?

It's so hard to choose one moment as there have been so many, the very first house giveaway is up there, walking up to Ian's door to tell him his life had changed forever, I mean how could you not love that? A more recent moment was at the Yorkshire charity reveal. Mencap asked people with learning difficulties from around the UK to come and be a part of the day and, even when faced with mental and physical challenges, they all brought so much joy and positivity. Seeing first hand how important raising much needed funds and what a huge impact that money would have.

Favourite house so far and why

The very first Lake District house. It was Christmas and had a view of a wintery lake Windermere and ski chalet vibes. The perfect combo of homely ‘get the fire on’, and epic party space, did it for me.

The charity closest to your heart?

Funny you should mention hearts as my dad got rushed to hospital during Covid with heart issues, scaring the whole family. Luckily the incredible team at York hospital fitted a pacemaker and after some adjustment he is now living his best life again, so when we partnered with British Heart Foundation it really did mean a huge amount–as without their investment into research into pacemakers my dad may not be with us now.

Most awkward ‘presenting’ moment to date?

Well honestly the most awkward part was knocking on a winner's door with a camera crew behind me ready to go, only to be greeted by the winner’s son-in-law wearing nothing but a towel! He took it all very much in his stride, chatting at the door for sometime ‘til I very politely suggested that he may want to pop off and get dressed.

Your greatest inspiration?

I feel inspired every day by my husband’s ‘glass overflowing’ positive mindset, it’s infectious. Career wise Ophrah Winfrey has truly inspired me by forging her own way, showing her vulnerable self and shining a spiritual light

Paul Rees

British Racing Driver Paul first pulled up to the Omaze circuit to test drive our early bird supercars. However, he soon changed lanes when we realised he was as much of a champion in front of the camera as he was behind the wheel.

Favourite Omaze moment so far?

I have two joint favourite moments. One is revealing to Oceanne, in a Christmas/Love Actually themed door knock with a choir, that she had won the Chelsea House ,worth over £5,000,000! Oceanne was practically homeless and was also training to be a children’s nurse so it was a real-life Christmas story.

And the other one was the Campaign Against Living Miserably charity raise reveal in Devon, where we raised £3,500,000 for this incredibly important cause. The room was full of emotion after CALM supporter Beverley shared her deeply moving story about the loss of her son. When the amount was revealed everyone went mad and the energy was electric. It was incredible to see the tears turn into smiles within an instant, and then turn to tears again–but this time happy ones!

Favourite House so far and why

This year’s Christmas House in the Lake District is the new favourite! The position next to the lake is just incredible, the interiors are sublime and it has everything, from outdoor kitchens and fireplaces to a gym, sauna and hot tub area, a gorgeous boat house by the lake and an incredible master bedroom with the most perfect view.

The charity closest to your heart?

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, along with Children in Need. I was very poorly when I was six years old and spent almost three months in hospital, where I almost passed away numerous times. I remember it so clearly and I was given a Pudsey Bear soon after going into hospital which became a very important object to me.

Most awkward ‘presenting’ moment to date?

Filming for the Surrey House I came down with food poisoning mid shoot…..that was a very long and tough afternoon! The director worked miracles to make me look semi-ok in the final edit.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My wife. We have been together since we were just 17, and she is just the perfect role model for anyone; Head Girl at school, over achiever at pretty much everything (apart from cooking!) and has the perfect CV with a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. She’s a healthcare professional with the patience of a saint, makes time for absolutely everyone and has the kindest and most balanced heart of anyone I have ever met.

Freya Melling

Ah the lovely Freya…social media star, housing hotshot and fashion icon. Freya’s as well versed in luxury abodes as she is in…well, verse, having a background in both performing arts and the property market.

Favourite Omaze moment so far?

Definitely being with everyone at the Mallorca house! Sunshine, scenery, and one very hungover morning after some wrap drinks.

Favourite House so far and why

London, Wirral, Cornwall, Cheshire (argghh I really can’t choose)!

The charity closest to your heart?

CALM—too many beautiful lives have been lost to an invisible disability. It’s a problem that could be tackled with the right support. We need to make mental health a priority and get everyone the help they deserve.

Your most awkward ‘presenting’ moment to date?

Using my school B-Team tennis skills to serve while attempting to deliver my lines at the Norfolk house. Spoiler: I mostly served my dignity straight out the window.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My parents! They are the kindest humans in the world and so hard working, wish to be just like them every day.

Emma Victoria Jenkins

Emma’s a national and international beauty pageant title holder, but it’s the Welsh TV host’s tireless commitment to raising awareness and funds for a variety of amazing causes that really makes her stand out from the crowd.

Favourite Omaze moment so far?

My favourite Omaze moment, without a doubt, was greeting the winners of the first ever Omaze Great Escape House Draw! To be able to give Sarah and Rich a tour of their new home whilst thick snow fell was a picture perfect scene and actually felt quite surreal. A magical moment and memory for me.

Favourite House so far and why?

Umm have you SEEN the Christmas home in the Lake District?! Imagine escaping to that Christmassy, ‘Hallmark movie’ home for the festive season. It’s luxury and nostalgia all wrapped into one, and it’s everything you could dream of for a family Christmas! Sadly, I can no longer enter Omaze competitions… Boohoo!

What’s the charity closest to your heart?

It’s tough to choose just one but I have to say that my work with Sheroes Hangout and Stop Acid Attacks was genuinely life changing. These charities work in tandem to rehabilitate survivors of acid violence in India, and I was honoured to be welcomed to India as their guest after fundraising for them. To witness the hope, love and joy that was so apparent between all who were involved meant the absolute world to me, and reminded me of my privilege.

Most awkward ‘presenting’ moment to date?

I’d say the closest thing to a mishap I’ve experienced is when my radio mic stopped working whilst live on air. I was handed an “old-fashioned”, handheld, stick mic, and I decided, in my fluster, to pretend I was about to sing a song. This was all on live TV and my fellow presenters were completely confused until I admitted I was joking!

Who is your greatest inspiration?

Is it an absolute cliche to say my Mum? I have been lucky enough to be raised in a home that had the most selfless woman at the helm. Being raised in kindness with an emphasis on being kind to others has shaped me into the person I am. I get my sense of humour from my Dad though - I’m fluent in sarcasm and always cracking jokes!

Ben Soyza

Whether he’s vox-popping or body-popping our newest presenter, Ben, makes you want to be a part of it. And when he answered our call to say ‘yes’ to the tape he sent us, whilst on his honeymoon, we knew he was definitely the one.

Favourite Omaze moment so far?

Stepping into my very first Omaze house – the Enchanting house in the Lake District! But that comes second to meeting the whole team, an incredible group of people who work so hard to make everything happen.

Favourite House so far and why?

My favourite house so far would be the London one, it was where I got to meet Freya for the first time and see how talented and genuine she was. Not to mention the director, producer and editor who are not only talented, but lovely people.

What’s the charity closest to your heart?

Oxfam is a charity I really value because their work worldwide to help communities, as well as tackle global issues, such as the climate crisis, are hugely important for all of us. And Children in Need is also so crucial, as their investment in the most vulnerable of our society is key to lifting them out of adversity. I’m hugely proud to be part of a team that has donated so much to such an awesome cause!

Most awkward ‘presenting’ moment to date?

I started my career as a dancer and in the first years I was taking any job I could to scrape by. One Christmas I was hard-pressed for work when someone got in touch and offered me a job at a club (Koko in Camden if you must know). It was to dance at a Christmas party and the costume was to be provided when I arrived. The said costume was in fact: gold hot pants and an apron…I could afford presents that year but it came at a price.

Who is your greatest inspiration?

My wife is my greatest inspiration. I’ve never met anyone with so much tenacity, kindness and generosity as I have with her, she has elevated me in every way from my personal life to my career. In fact, I wouldn’t have had the belief to submit my self-tape for Omaze if she hadn’t pushed me.