Spy: Kiwi's star shines across the ditch

Alex Tarrant plays Ike in 800 Words.

Actor Alex Tarrant is shaping up to be the next great Kiwi export officially adopted across the ditch.

On Thursday, Kiwi audiences had their first chance to see him in the role of Ike on transtasman hit drama 800 Words on TV One. The show premiered in Australia in September to rave reviews and massive ratings.

Tarrant's starring role has led to his being swamped by social media followers, many of whom are posting complimentary comments about his hunky looks.

"I'm going red just thinking about it," he said.

The cast of Filthy Rich, starring Josh McKenzie, Emma Fenton, Miriama Smith, Taylor Hall and Alex Tarrant.

"After every Tuesday night [when the show screens in Australia] I wake up on Wednesday morning with around 50 new Instagram followers.

"I'm pretty chuffed that people want to get to know me."

A second series of 800 Words, which was shot on Auckland's west coast, has been commissioned.

"I always think of certain milestones as though I'm receiving a badge and I just achieved my 'second-season' badge," Tarrant said.

The actor also has a major part in TV2's upcoming glam soap Filthy Rich.

His role as a player in the vacuous world of Auckland high society is a world away from the laid-back beach vibe of 800 Words.