Watch for this familiar Vernon face on TV next week

VERNON – A family photographer at Vernon’s Walmart stepped out of his comfort zone and into the limelight this past week while competing to be ET Canada’s newest guest co-host.

Griffon Burton, 21, is one of four finalists chosen from hundreds of applicants across Canada to vie for the coveted TV spot. The four will perform in weekly entertainment challenges with the first airing on ET Canada March 10 on Global.

“I love celebrity gossip,” Burton says. “I love being out there. I love eyes on me although I’ve never been in front of the camera before.”

He spent the past week in Toronto in front of cameras instead of his usual place behind them at the Vernon Walmart photo studio, competing in a series of entertainment reporting challenges. He’ll be watching the show air on Monday with his mom, his cats—who starred in his audition tape—and his pugs at home in Vernon.

“It was a blast,” he says. “I went into it like a sponge. I didn’t think I could do it and now if I could do it all over again I totally would.”

Asked if there was any behind the scenes drama, Burton says “Not really, we’re Canadians.”

He says his mentor on the show Roz Weston was amazing. Even the other contestants gave friendly pointers and tips. The biggest challenge was adjusting to a big, crowded city, he says.

“I’m not used to the big city scene. I had my face pressed against the window looking at the buildings,” he says. “Coming from a small town and going to Toronto was out of my comfort zone.”

He can’t say much about what went on behind the cameras. For that, you’ll have to tune in Monday. If you want to see him return to Toronto and continue in the contest, cast your vote online. Each week, a contestant is eliminated until only one is left standing for the final installment March 26.

“I’m in it to win it, but I’m open minded,” Burton says. “Whatever happens, happens, and if I don’t get this opportunity I’ll try again.”

While he was nervous at first, Burton soon realized it was best to just relax and be himself. He’s not anxious about seeing himself on television next week.

“Growing up I was always taught never say something you regret. I have no regrets about what I said (on the show). I feel 100 per cent confident that what I’ve said is true.”

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelews.ca or call 250-309-5230.

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