What happened to ’90s heartthrob Nathan Harvey? Channel [V] host returns

Many Australians will remember Channel V presenter Nathan Harvey as the ultimate Generation-X heartthrob.

The former model, known for his sandy-haired surfer look, was a hit with the ladies while hosting Foxtel’s hip music station in the mid-1990s.

Looking back on his fame during the grunge era, Nathan told Woman’s Day this week that things became too much for him and he retreated from the spotlight. 

‘I turned into a loose cannon,’ he said. ‘I started to believe in my own publicity.’ 

Nathan, 49, is now re-entering the entertainment business as a musician, and recently signed a recording contract with Foghorn Records. 

The Australian indie label is responsible for recording the likes of INXS and Silverchair.

Nathan had been working as an airport dispatcher after quitting showbusiness, but took the last year off to pursue his music career.   

He is performing under the stage name Mr Harvey and specialises in a variety of genres, including country-style ballads.

For Nathan, his new career is no longer about making money or chasing fame, but instead about expressing himself.

‘I’ve had a little taste of [money and fame] back in the day and they are both overrated,’ he said. ‘Now I’ve got things to say and want to be heard.’ 

Nathan admitted he was still a ‘little green’ as a musician, but was grateful to be getting a ‘second chance’ at the age of 49. 

The former pin-up appeared on Foxtel’s Channel [V] as a presenter from 1996 to 1999, and on Channel 10’s Level 23 from 1995 to 1996. 

He also appeared in magazines aimed at teenage girls, including Girlfriend.