CTV Toronto's gregarious weatherman Tom Brown might soon be showing off his on-air skills across North America, after the popular broadcaster was named a finalist in the search for a guest co-host on the Live with Regis and Kelly show.
Live, which tapes before a studio audience in New York City, announced 20 finalists on their show Monday morning. Brown and CTV BC weathercaster Tamara Taggart were both named.
The winner of the "Co-host for a day" search will be announced Wednesday on Live, which airs on CTV starting at 9 a.m.
The CTV Toronto newsroom errupted into loud cheers when Brown's name was called. Brown jumped up off his chair red-faced with joy and started hugging his co-workers, cheering with excitement.
"Just to be nominated is pretty cool but to hear your name called...wow, that's pretty cool," Brown said breathlessly, minutes after the announcement was made.
"This is easily the highlight of my career," he said, grinning ear to ear.
Brown said before his name was announced, he was afraid to get excited about the prospect of appearing on a top-rated show like Live. Now that he's one step closer to making an appearance, he said he's afraid the experience will leave him awestruck.
"It just might be that rare occasion when Tom Brown doesn't have anything to say," he said laughing.
The 45-year-old's wife and daughter were watching the show when Brown's name and picture appeared on screen. They immediately began jumping up and down, screaming with glee.
"My daughter ran and started to vote and emailed all her friends on Facebook to vote as well," he said. "My wife simply said, 'I'm so proud.'"
Brown joined CTV Toronto in 2004 and with his sunny, extroverted personality, he was a viewer favourite in no time.
Some of Tom's most memorable weather reports have included reporting alongside two Canadian prime ministers and reporting while rappelling down a 26-storey building.
The public can vote for Brown today and tomorrow by clicking here.
