ABC management often look outside the box when it comes to searching for on air talent. From former maths uni students like Adam Spencer, to former lawyers such as James O’Loghlin. They often find people who can tick the box in the job application of “life experience.” This is the case of Mark Trevorrow, better known as Bob Downe.

A year ago Trevorrow stepped in behind the mic to present a midawn show, to get some flying time in the studio. After that he has filled in on the evening program and in two weeks according to the Sydney Morning Herald, will fill in for Richard Fidler.

For Trevorrow being open and being himself is vitally important on radio. He has no intention of hiding behind the Bob Downe character or hiding the fact he is gay, however he says he says he won’t make a big deal about it.

He told Sue Javes in the Herald: “Richard Glover talks about his kids, so I talk about my life, which indicates to anyone who has half a brain that this is a fortysomething gay man who has not been sitting at home. I’m not preaching about being gay in the same way that Richard is not preaching about being straight when he mentions his kids.”

Trevorrow says there has been little reaction from the ABC audience, though he has noticed more gay men have been calling the program in recent months.

“When you hide something as fundamental as your sexuality it makes you bland, if you are avoiding a particular topic, the listeners can smell a rat and they may not be able to articulate what it is but there is definitely something missing for them. Sexiness is a big part of who we are and anyone who thinks those things can be quarantined off is kidding themselves.”