Luke Jacobz | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Luke Jacob Ashwood (1981-02-14)14 February 1981 (age 44) Sydney, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, television presenter |
| Years active | 1998–present |
Luke Jacobz (bornLuke Jacob Ashwood; 14 February 1981) is an Australian actor and television presenter. He is best known for his roles as Zac Croft inHeartbreak High, Patrick Brewer inMcLeod's Daughters,Angelo Rosetta inHome and Away, and as presenter of the Australian version ofThe X Factor.
Jacobz was born Luke Jacob Ashwood.[1] Jacobz is a screen name, derived from adding a 'z' to the actor's middle name. He has one brother. Jacobz appeared in a high school production ofThe Man of Steel in 1995.
Jacobz came to public attention when he starred as Zac Croft for two years on the Australian teen drama television seriesHeartbreak High. He later moved on to hosting television programs such asThe Big Arvo andPopstars Live.
Jacobz made a return to acting inMcLeod's Daughters as Patrick Brewer, appearing on the show between 2005 and 2008.[2] From 2008 until 2011, Jacobz playedAngelo Rosetta in the Australian soap operaHome and Away. He was only originally supposed to be in the serial for six months, but proved popular with viewers.[3] Jacobz's character was written out after producers felt that he had done everything they wanted him to do.[3]
In 2008, Jacobz was crownedDancing with the Stars champion along with dancer and mentorLuda Kroitor.[4]
Jacobz hosted seasons 2 through to 7 ofThe X Factor, from 2010 to 2015.[5][6]
After the death of his father, Jacobz left Australia for Los Angeles.[7] He struggled to find steady work and returned to Australia in 2017 to hostInstant Hotel.[7] He was replaced byLaurence Llewelyn-Bowen in 2018, however, he admitted "They needed someone with an eye for design. I'm not a home builder, I'm a host. If I was replaced by another host, I'd be upset."[7]
In 2019 Jacobz was a contestant in thefifth Australian season ofI'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He was eliminated along withAngie Kent in a double elimination, making them the ninth and tenth contestants to leave the jungle.[8]
From 13 August 2020 he reprised his role of Angelo Rosetta and returned toHome and Away in a recurring role. He departed the series on 26 November 2020.[9]
Jacobz hasADHD.[7] His father John Ashwood died of brain cancer in 2015.[7]
He previously dated hisDancing with the Stars partnerLuda Kroitor.[10] In 2018, Jacobz got engaged to his partner Raychel Stuart. The couple married inCentennial Park in June 2023, after they had to postpone their original wedding plans twice due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[11] The following month, they announced they were expecting their first child,[12] and Stuart gave birth to their daughter on 14 November 2023.[13]
Jacobz was charged withdrunk driving on 31 May 2015 in Sydney, returning a 0.116 reading, well above the 0.05 limit.[14] In court, he pleaded guilty and lost his licence for 12 months and was fined AU$700.[15]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–1999 | Home and Away | Student | Guest |
| Chris Brown | Guest | ||
| Lucas | Guest | ||
| 1997 | Heartbreak High | Homeless Youth | Guest |
| 1998–1999 | Zac Croft | Main cast | |
| 2005–2009 | McLeod's Daughters | Patrick Brewer | Season 5 (guest), Season 6–8 (main cast) |
| 2008–2011, 2020 | Home and Away | Angelo Rosetta | Season 21–24 (main cast), Season 33 (recurring) |
| 2023 | Paper Dolls | Zane | 1 episode |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001–2005 | The Big Arvo | Presenter | |
| 2004 | Popstars Live | Host | |
| 2008 | The Singing Bee | Himself | Contestant |
| 2008 | Hole in the Wall | Himself | Guys Vs Gals, On Guys Team |
| 2009 | Beauty and the Geek Australia | Judge | 1 Episode |
| 2010–2015 | The X Factor (Australia) | Host | Seasons 2–7 |
| 2017 | Instant Hotel | Host | Season 1 |
| 2019 | I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! | Himself | Contestant |
| 2019 | The Proposal | Host | Season 1 (8 episodes) |
| 2008, 2021 | Dancing with the Stars | Himself | Winner of Season 8 Season 18 All Star |
In 2010, Jacobz was nominated for the SilverLogie Award for the most popular actor for his role onHome and Away.[16]
| Preceded by Bridie Carter & Craig Monley | Dancing with the Stars (Australia) winner Season 8 (Late 2008 withLuda Kroitor) | Succeeded by Adam Brand & Jade Hatcher |