Polly Gillespie: From Radio to Reality TV Debut

New Zealand media personality Polly Gillespie has confirmed her return to television with a role in the upcoming season of Celebrity Treasure Island, marking her first major on-screen appearance since stepping away from radio broadcasting in 2023.

Gillespie, who co-hosted the popular breakfast show on More FM for over two decades, announced her departure from radio in late 2023 to focus on personal projects and family life. Her exit followed a long tenure alongside her then-co-host Jason Gunn, with whom she became one of the country’s most recognizable radio duos.

The former radio host’s transition to reality television represents a notable shift in her public career. Celebrity Treasure Island, produced by Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand, features well-known personalities competing in physical and mental challenges across a Fijian island setting for charity. Gillespie’s participation aligns with a broader trend of established media figures leveraging reality platforms to reconnect with audiences in new formats.

While Gillespie has not disclosed the specific charity she will be supporting through her appearance, past seasons of the show have seen contestants raise significant funds for causes ranging from child welfare to environmental conservation. The production typically partners with New Zealand-based charities, and contestants often highlight their chosen causes during promotional interviews.

Industry observers note that Gillespie’s move comes at a time when many former radio and television personalities are exploring alternative media avenues, including podcasting, digital content creation, and television appearances. Her decision to join a competitive reality series underscores a willingness to engage with audiences through unscripted, physically demanding formats rather than returning to traditional broadcasting roles.

Gillespie’s career in broadcasting began in the early 1990s, and she became a household name through her work on More FM’s breakfast show, which consistently ranked among the most listened-to programs in Auckland and beyond. Known for her candid on-air personality and advocacy for mental health awareness, she has occasionally spoken publicly about the pressures of long-term media work and the importance of work-life balance.

Since leaving radio, Gillespie has maintained a low public profile, focusing on personal time and occasional speaking engagements. Her appearance on Celebrity Treasure Island marks her most prominent public project since that transition, signaling a deliberate return to the entertainment spotlight under different terms.

The upcoming season of Celebrity Treasure Island is scheduled to premiere later in 2026, though an exact air date has not yet been announced by Warner Bros. Discovery New Zealand. Casting details for the full roster of contestants remain under wraps, with Gillespie’s participation confirmed through official promotional material released by the network.

As preparations for the series continue, Gillespie’s involvement adds a familiar face from New Zealand’s radio landscape to a show that has previously featured athletes, musicians, and reality veterans. Her participation will be closely watched by fans of her broadcasting career and viewers of the competitive reality format.