It’s November, which means Junior Eurovision is inching closer and closer! We now have more information about who will host the show! The duo of Valerie Vella and Ben Camille have been chosen to host the contest, and we also know that Larissa Bonaci will host the official Red Carpet, and Taryn Mamo Cefai will host the Opening Ceremony.
Who is Valerie Vella?
Valerie is a well-known Maltese television presenter, who has hosted a variety of programs, festivals and events over the last 22 years. She has also had Eurovision experience, as the Head of Press for the Maltese delegation twice, Malta’s voting spokesperson on two occasions as well as the commentator for the Semi-Finals and Grand Final in 2009 and 2010. Valerie has also hosted the Maltese national final 3 times, and has been the commentator for Junior Eurovision for 6 years in a row. With all that Eurovision experience, it was a no brainer to feature her as one of the hosts.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Masters degree in Conference Interpreting and besides her TV work. She is a freelance interpreter with the European Union institutions. She speaks five languages and loves travelling.
Who is Ben Camille?
Ben is one of Malta’s most popular actors and presenters. He is currently playing the lead in Malta’s most watched TV series, Strada Stretta as Mario. He is also presenting a TV show called Twelve to 3 on Malta’s national TV channel TVM. You may also recognise Ben from the Eurovision Malta national final from 2016! Away from the entertainment world, Ben also enjoys working for charity and hopes to continue with his work to help people and animals in need.
Other than the two hosts of the show, we also now know the hosts of the Opening Ceremony and Red Carpet.
Taryn Mamo Cefai will be hosting the Opening Ceremony. She is known as an actress in Malta, who made her debut in the arts at the young age of 3. She was a ballerina with the Olivia Dow School of Russian Ballet. Later in life, she began her studies at the Stagecoach School for the Performing Arts, and continued studying in London at Bird College. She graduated with a Foundation Degree in Musical Theatre.
This year, Taryn graduated with a Bachelors degree in Communications from the University of Malta, and is currently working as a marketing executive. She is also passionate about being a good role model for young girls, and about female empowerment.
Larissa Bonaci will be the host of the Red Carpet for Junior Eurovision this year. She has trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in LA, and has acted in a number of local TV series and theatre shows. She has graduated also from the University of Malta with a degree in psychology and is currently studying for her Masters in Theatre Studies and Performance. At the moment, she is also producing a television programme which is due to air on Maltese TV early next year.
