They’re two of TV’s best-known faces, fronting up to the nation each morning, often bantering and seemingly a picture of health. But behind the dad jokes and quips that come with presenting The AM Show, hosts Duncan Garner and Mark Richardson have had to confront some personal health and wellbeing issues this year.
Now the pair are opening up and revealing a bond that has helped them get through what has been an unquestionably tough year.
For Mark, a melanoma scare has given him a new perspective and approach to life. The former Black Caps cricket star – now on the cusp of his own personal half-century – receives a fair bit of ribbing about his looks, including from Duncan, but he admits he hasn’t always taken care of himself.
“I’ve never wanted to be seen as someone who is vain,” Mark explains, as the pair sit down to lunch at Auckland restaurant Ahi for a chat with the Weekly. “Which is why I hate it when people think I put fake tan on or that I did my teeth for the look. Because I didn’t, I had to completely rebuild them.”
Laughs Duncan, “Yes, I’ve been giving you stick about that for about a year or so! I remember asking you to do a sport segment and I looked at you and thought something’s changed about you. I thought, ‘What’s different about my man today?’ Then I realised you had your teeth done! But you hadn’t said anything.”
“I was really self-conscious,” Mark admits. “I didn’t want to come across as vain.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK