Gok Wan reveals fantasy career he almost quit fashion for

He found huge success on How To Look Good Naked, but stylist Gok Wan says he nearly quit the fashion world to work in finance instead.

The TV host and DJ, 50, reveals: “I wanted a career change. And I always fantasised about the idea of working in finance or working in the City. I know, it sounds bizarre. But I’m really interested in economics. I think I probably could have done it.”

Gok is best known by TV viewers for his Channel 4 style makeover show, which ran for seven series from 2006. But he is no stranger to career changes – he is also a chef, fronting cooking shows and writing cook books – and a DJ.

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Gok has many strings to his bow
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Just Eat)





He revealed he nearly quit fashion to work in finance
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

In fact, most people in their 20s know him primarily as “Gok the DJ” – he makes half his income from music – although some of his old styling clips emerging on TikTok have won him new fans. One, in which he fashions a belt from a piece of rope, is a particular hit with Gen X.

Gok turned 50 in September, and he says he feels more confident and less bothered by life, and able to make snap decisions and take on difficult challenges. Partly, he reveals, this confidence is a consequence of losing his best friend, Allison Gordon-Parry, to breast cancer in May.

Gok says her death has taught him to embrace every moment as wonderful and treat life “like a daily bucket list”. He was extremely close to Allison, who he knew from his hometown of Leicester, and has two tattoos in her honour, including her initials by his ear.

He credits her memory with spurring him to take on a daily breakfast radio show on Magic in the new year – something he previously deemed too daunting. He says: “She taught me a lot in life, and she’s also still teaching me, in a beautiful way.”

Turning 50 has also meant facing up to some tough realities. Gok, who is single, previously said he wanted to be a father before he turned 45. But he now acknowledges that parenthood might not be his path. He says: “My paternal need was never strong enough. It was only ever the fear of missing out.

“I did think, ‘Am I going to regret this?’ I might still. I’ve kind of come to terms with the idea. I have to be confident enough to know it’s not right for me right now.”

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