Her musical knowledge, skills, her charm and overall personality led to a long and fruitful gig on Fox Sports Fuel TV from 2006 as a presenter and this has in turn morphed into Carissa’s current role as a resident host on music channel, Channel [V], where she produces, researches and writes all of her own segments. Carissa is also producer and writer on The Riff, and is the weekly news host of WTF of [V], where she sources the best music and pop culture news stories of the day.
As an MC/Host, she has fronted major live events including Optus Rock Corps featuring The Script, Labyrinth, Guy Sebastian, and the live and intimate Justin Bieber tour (in conjunction with Channel [V] and Today FM). Carissa was also the host of Sydney FTV (Fashion TV), where she was responsible for all interviews and links to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and many other fashion festivals and events.
Carissa is also a popular regular on radio and can be heard filling in on NOVA and the 2DayFM Hot 30.
Not content with a repertoire of singer, dancer, performer; Carissa enrolled in NIDA and completed a one year TV presenting course in 2009, and a Screen Actors course in 2010. In her teens Carissa had attended the Bradford Dance Academy and The Australian College of Entertainment.
Carissa has combined her natural talent with a determination to constantly improve her range of technical ability, be it singing, dancing, acting or presenting. This is real evidence of a driven professional seeking to hone her skills, fully prepared for any opportunity presented to her. Carissa’s abundant energy and enthusiasm has been a great ally in the journey so far.
Not surprisingly many producers quickly recognised her acting ability and screen presence and in quick succession Carissa appeared on the much loved soap Home and Away in 2012 in the guest role of Melissa. She also worked on the Australian franchise of US comedy Web Soup then quickly was called to Los Angeles to fill in for iconic host Olivia Munn in the much loved nerdy program, Attack of the Show.
Carissa’s popularity as one of Australia’s rising stars continues to grow. In 2013 Carissa was nominated for Favourite Personality at the 11th Astra Awards and her program The Riff picked up Best Light Entertainment Award. The Riff also picked up Most Outstanding Music Program Award at the 12th Astra Awards in 2014. Carissa has also worked as a spokesperson for a number of brands and is a passionate ambassador for several charities.
With a passion for music and fashion, Carissa features her latest work on www.carissawalford.com.au, which showcases a mixture of events, interviews, music and fashion shoots.
With all the skills and attributes required of a dynamic TV presenter and with her model good looks, Carissa has enormous potential for significant roles on the small and big screen.
