New show DNA Detectives coming to NZ screens

Jack Tame follows his DNA on TVNZ's new show DNA Detectives.

The man who created a hit musical about a guy having way too much fun meddling with people's minds in his lab is hosting TVNZ's new celebrity genealogy show DNA Detectives.

Richard O'Brien, the English-born New Zealand-raised creator of the Rocky Horror Picture Show - and who played Riff-Raff in the classic 1975 movie - is presenting the programme, made by the team behind Intrepid Journeys.

Among those giving samples before heading off around the world in the first season are Jack Tame, Ray McVinnie, Dave Fane, Michael Van De Elzen, Sam Wallace, Amanda Billing, Shavaughn Ruakere, Willie Jackson, Nicole Whippy, Kirk Torrance, Leigh Hart and Sonia Gray.

Richard O'Brien is set to host the new TV show DNA Detectives.

Guiding them with a series of cryptic clues is O'Brien who hosted four seasons of British game show The Crystal Maze in the early 90s and was well-loved for his quirky hosting style, which included random harmonica playing and campy theatrics.

Jam TV producer Jane Andrews says O'Brien's unique style of presenting turns the DNA Detectives into something special.

"We had a plan and we had good idea but he elevated it to the next level. He's magical.

"He teases people with what's about to happen and he has a lot of fun with them - sometimes he sings them a song. He's turned it into a magical mystery tour."

O'Brien may seem like an odd choice for the show - as Andrews says he is not part of the New Zealand TV scene - but as soon as co-producer Melanie Rakena suggested O'Brien, they were determined to bring him on board.

"He's a little bit of the unknown," says Andrews. "It was intriguing to think of being able to bring him to New Zealand audiences.

"Once you've seen him work his magic, you're kind of hooked. He's so wonderfully cheeky and irreverent and well-read and really good with people. He has this disarming way of looking at people and knowing what they're made of."

His style should be much in the same vein on DNA Detectives.

• DNA Detectives starts on Wednesday October 14 on TV One.