Why Clint’s the real (ity) deal

CLINT Randell is something of a reality TV specialist – but he’s admitted he’s also obsessed with one of the genre’s deities: Jeff Probst, the host of American Survivor.

In an interview with stuff.co. nz today, the host of Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer – and soon-to-be frontman of Heartbreak Island – admits he’s addicted to Probst’s show.

‘‘I’m obsessed with that show,’’ he says.

‘‘I’ve watched all 42 seasons. He runs it, produces it and works behind the scenes. I’d love to rack his brains about how he prepares and delivers each episode. I’d talk his ear off. I interviewed him once for The Edge and we talked for half an hour. He even asked me what I would do to improve the show.’’

The love for the US doesn’t stop at its TV, either. Randell loves everything about the Wild West, saying he’d happily move to a ‘‘cowboy town in America, such as Montana or Wyoming’’.

He says he and his wife Jaime have always joked about moving to a country ranch in America and putting kids Cameron, 7, and Ty, 5, in school.

‘‘Years ago, we did a wild horse drive for a week there where we pushed wild horses through the mountains. I’ve gone so far to search for whether one of the ranches might need a ranch hand for three months, where you work in exchange for accommodation and food. I could do that between TV shows. We could take off and have an experience and do something completely different.’’ He doesn’t say whether a move overseas is likely to happen any time soon, but does reveal he thinks New Zealand could be friendlier and more supporting of creative people.

‘‘We’re very quick to try to squash and belittle something or someone. The New Zealand version of a show is always going to be critiqued with a different stick than the Australian or American version,’’ he says. ‘‘We also don’t put Kiwi artists on the same pedestal as international ones. We get very excited when Kiwis such as Taika (Waititi) do well on the international stage but it’s the middle space I’m talking about. I think we should celebrate more things Kiwi, and start supporting those on the world stage.’’

To read the full interview go to stuff.co.nz