Mathieu Chantelois

Cover Guy is basically the male version of America’s Next Top Model. Scouts from across the country are looking for the next male fashion model, and the winner becomes the new face—and other body parts—of Ginch Gonch underwear. The hunky contestants are put through a series of modeling competitions that span from runway to photo shoots, and as Chantelois points out, there is plenty of skin to admire.

The contestants are judged by some of Canada’s biggest and most prominent names in the fashion industry, including former top male model John Nightingale, recognized fashion editor Jim Armstrong and fabulous transsexual television personality Nina Arsenault.  

Here! Networks has been instrumental at bringing a new and refreshing view of gay life, and Cover Guy will no doubt be a welcome addition to the line up.  

Heading into its fourth season, the show was originally developed for OUTv in Canada, the world’s first exclusively gay channel. here! Networks has recently partnered with the Canadian network, and for the first time, the show will be available in the United States.  

"It’s a great, funny, fluffy show that I know gay men and women will enjoy," Chantelois explained in his sexy French-Canadian accent. "So far we have been very popular throughout Canada, Israel, Australia, New Zealand and several other countries, but having it air in the United States is such a wonderful opportunity and a great thrill."  

Montreal born Chantelois was pursuing a successful career in journalism when fame came calling. After graduating from Carleton University with a degree in journalism, he was chosen as a housemate on the Canadian reality show The Lofters.

The show, which is similar in style to MTV’s Real World, has eight young people living in a house together, and they were taped for entire year. The difference between the American version and the Canadian version was that the lofter’s spent most of their time developing, producing and hosting their own television series. Chantelois used his time in the house to put out a positive message about gay people, and hosted a journalistic type series for So Gay TV.  

"I was the token gay French Canadian guy on the show, which was interesting because after the show aired, I felt a sense of obligation to be a positive role model for the community. I didn’t really want that role. I just wanted to be myself, but after getting that type of exposure, I started to feel that it was my duty."  

After the show aired, Chantelois became something of a national celebrity and started developing projects he felt would promote a positive view of gay life.

After receiving his PhD, he began hosting educational shows on PrideVision and became an editor for the film magazine Famous Quebec.  

When he was asked to host Cover Guy, Chantelois jumped at the chance.  

"I saw the format of the show and thought it could really be a fun opportunity to do something different for gay television," he says. "I have worked on serious projects that dealt with AIDS, coming out and social injustice, and although those concepts are very important, I also think it is important to develop shows for gay people that are fun and more light hearted.  

"It is essential that we remember that gay people can also have fun. We can just sit back, grab a beer and enjoy watching things that are entertaining just like everyone else. I think this show provides that. We have fun challenges, and hot guys. What could be more entertaining?"  

While a few contestants are openly gay, most of them are straight, but Chantelois thinks that the premise of the show will definitely captivate a gay audience.  

"I think most people think that girls on these types of shows are the ones who are really catty, but I can assure you these straight guys give them a run for their money," he says. "They are just as bitchy, and many of them are self obsessed, which leads to some entertaining drama."  

And, certainly, sculpted bods filling out Ginches can't hurt.   

- Cover Guy is now playing on here! Networks. For more informations on Chantelois and his bevy of scantily clad beauties, visit www.hereTV.com.