Melissa Grelo Biography 2026: Age, Husband, CP24, Career & Net Worth
Melissa Grelo is one of Canada’s most recognizable and dynamic television personalities, best known for co-hosting CTV’s hit daytime talk show The Social and serving as the foundational anchor of CP24 Breakfast. With a broadcasting career spanning more than two decades, she has earned widespread acclaim for her sharp news sense, engaging conversational style, and candid discussions on culture, parenting, and modern lifestyle trends. From breaking major breaking news stories in Toronto to interviewing global celebrities and thought leaders, Grelo has established herself as a trusted voice across North American media.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Melissa Grelo |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Mel |
| Profession | Television Host, Broadcast Journalist, Moderator, Digital Producer |
| Birth Date | June 30, 1977 |
| Age | 49 years 1 month old years old |
| Birth Place | Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Portuguese and Filipino) |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Education | York University (B.A. Psychology & French); Seneca College (Broadcast Journalism) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Ryan Gaggi (m. 2010) |
| Children | 1 (Daughter: Marquesa Gaggi) |
| Parents | Frank Grelo (Father) & Maria Grelo (Mother) |
| Siblings | Rosanna Grelo (Sister) |
| Hobbies | Horseback riding, fitness training, cooking, travel, interior design |
| Current Roles (2026) | Co-Host of CTV’s The Social, Media Contributor, Public Speaker |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2.5 Million – $3.5 Million USD |
Viewers who follow Canadian television personalities like Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui, Tracy Moore, Marci Ien, and Ben Mulroney regularly celebrate Melissa Grelo for her authentic reporting and lively roundtable discussions.
Early Life and Education
Melissa Grelo was born on June 30, 1977, and grew up in the scenic countryside of Uxbridge, Ontario, northeast of Toronto. Raised on a dedicated horse breeding and training farm, she developed an early love for equestrian sports, nature, and outdoor discipline under the guidance of her father, master classical dressage trainer Frank Grelo, and her mother, Maria. Her rich multicultural heritage—blending Portuguese roots on her father’s side and Filipino heritage on her mother’s side—gave her a broad worldview and a deep appreciation for storytelling.
During her school years, Grelo was an exceptional student with an aptitude for languages and social sciences. Following high school, she enrolled at York University in Toronto, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree double-majoring in Psychology and French. Initially considering a career in education or psychology, her natural curiosity and love for public affairs led her to Seneca College, where she completed a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism. Her strong academic foundation and fluency in French gave her an edge as she stepped into the demanding world of television news.
Career Journey
Grelo’s path from local newsrooms to national daytime television illustrates dedication, sharp interview instincts, and consistent reinvention across two decades of Canadian broadcasting.
Early Reporting and CKVR-TV
Grelo started her career in the early 2000s as a roving reporter and weekend news anchor for CKVR-TV (The New VR) in Barrie, Ontario. Working on local beats allowed her to master live reporting, teleprompter delivery, field producing, and crisis coverage. Her poise under pressure and relatable on-screen presence quickly caught the attention of major networks in Toronto.
CP24 and the Rise of CP24 Breakfast
In 2006, Grelo joined CP24, Toronto’s 24-hour local news station, serving as a live field reporter and general assignment anchor. When CP24 launched its signature morning broadcast, CP24 Breakfast, in 2009, Grelo was named the primary co-host alongside veteran broadcaster Steve Anthony.
Over several years, Grelo helped transform CP24 Breakfast into essential morning viewing for millions across the Greater Toronto Area. She covered municipal elections, transit disruptions, winter storms, local triumphs, and major breaking events, cementing her reputation as an energetic and dependable news anchor.
Moderating CTV’s The Social
In September 2013, Bell Media launched The Social, a daily national daytime talk show aimed at sparking candid conversations on current affairs, lifestyle topics, relationships, and pop culture. Grelo took the helm as the show’s moderator, guiding fellow co-hosts Lainey Lui, Cynthia Loyst, and Traci Melchor through fast-paced, unscripted live broadcasts.
Grelo’s ability to balance serious socio-political topics with lighthearted banter made The Social a runaway hit and a multi-time Canadian Screen Award winner. She has interviewed global icons, world leaders, and top authors while fostering an open dialogue on women’s health, racial equality, workplace equity, and parenting challenges.
CTV Your Morning and National Projects
In 2016, Grelo expanded her footprint by joining CTV’s national breakfast program, Your Morning, hosted by Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake. She contributed to early morning national segments before transitioning directly to her moderating duties on The Social. Over the years, Grelo has also hosted national red-carpet coverage, federal election panels, charity telethons, and live specials across the CTV network.
Recent Media Ventures and 2026 Projects
Entering 2026, Melissa Grelo continues to anchor The Social, leading thoughtful roundtables in an evolving media landscape. Beyond traditional television, she has expanded into digital lifestyle production, public speaking on leadership and work-life balance, and wellness advocacy. In 2026, her digital content series focusing on sustainable farm living, equestrian wellness, and women’s health continues to attract a large following across North America.
Television and Media Credits
- The Social (CTV, 2013–Present): Daily Talk Show Moderator & Co-Host
- Your Morning (CTV, 2016–2019): Co-Host & News Anchor
- CP24 Breakfast (CP24, 2009–2016): Original Co-Host & Anchor
- CP24 Live News (2006–2013): Breaking News Reporter & Anchor
- The New VR / A-Channel News (2002–2006): Field Reporter & Weekend News Anchor
- CTV Special Events Coverage: Red carpet specials, WE Day broadcasts, and election coverage
Personal Life
Despite her busy television schedule, Grelo maintains a grounded personal life centered around family, animals, and rural living. She lives in Ontario with her husband, Ryan Gaggi, and their daughter, Marquesa.
Marriage and Husband
Melissa Grelo married Ryan Gaggi, owner of a successful construction and contracting company, in September 2010. The couple enjoyed an elegant celebration surrounded by family, close friends, and media colleagues. They have remained an enduring partnership, often collaborating on home restoration and community charity events.
Children
In March 2014, Grelo and Gaggi welcomed their first child, a daughter named Marquesa. Grelo has spoken openly on The Social about motherhood, managing the demands of an early-morning media career alongside family life, and instilling strong multicultural values in her child.
Equestrian Lifestyle and Farming
Grelo has maintained a lifelong passion for horses. Having grown up at the Grelo Farms equestrian facility, she is an accomplished rider skilled in classical dressage. She regularly spends time at the stables, crediting horseback riding and animal care as her primary sources of mental peace and grounded resilience.
Awards and Achievements
- Canadian Screen Award Winner & Nominee: Recognized alongside The Social team for Best Talk Program and Best Host in a Variety or Talk Program.
- Seneca College Premier’s Award Nominee: Celebrated as a distinguished alumna in the creative arts and broadcasting sector.
- Community Philanthropy Champion: Extensive work with youth empowerment initiatives, animal rescue organizations, and health research charities.
- Trailblazer for Diversity in Media: Widely celebrated for promoting multicultural visibility and inclusion on Canadian daytime airwaves.
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | Approx. 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Body Build | Athletic, Toned |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (frequently styled in modern waves) |
| Shoe Size | 6.5 (US) / 37 (EU) |
Memorable Quotes
“If you want to move forward in any career, you must be willing to sit in the uncomfortable moments. Growth happens when you ask the questions that challenge the status quo.”
— Melissa Grelo
“Growing up on a horse farm taught me more about patience, empathy, and hard work than any textbook ever could. Animals keep you completely grounded.”
— Melissa Grelo
Controversies and Public Discussions
As the moderator of an opinion-driven daily talk show, Grelo regularly navigates passionate national debates. The Social tackles hot-button issues ranging from systemic racism and gender politics to celebrity scandals and cancel culture.
Whenever high-profile disagreements have emerged on the panel, Grelo has been praised for steering discussions with journalistic balance, ensuring all viewpoints are heard while maintaining a respectful environment for viewers at home.
Favorites and Lifestyle
- Favorite Activity: Classical dressage riding and stable work
- Favorite Vacation Destination: Portugal and the Mediterranean coast
- Favorite Cuisine: Traditional Filipino comfort dishes and authentic Portuguese seafood
- Fitness Regimen: Strength training, pilates, and horseback riding
- Favorite Book Genres: Psychology, autobiographies, and historical non-fiction
Melissa Grelo Salary & Net Worth in 2026
Melissa Grelo’s estimated net worth is between $2.5 million and $3.5 million USD as of 2026. Her wealth comes from her primary contract with Bell Media as moderator of The Social, her decades as an anchor on CP24 Breakfast, brand partnerships, keynote speaking engagements, and media production projects.
Industry estimates place her annual television salary in the range of $250,000 to $400,000 CAD, reflecting her status as one of Canadian daytime television’s flagship hosts.
Interesting Facts
- Bilingual Background: She is fluent in French and conversational in Portuguese, which she frequently utilizes during international reporting assignments.
- Dressage Roots: Her father Frank Grelo is an internationally respected classical dressage horse trainer, and Melissa grew up training on Lusitano horses.
- Morning Grind Veteran: For years, Grelo woke up at 3:30 AM to co-host CP24 Breakfast, demonstrating an unmatched work ethic in live morning news.
- Advocate for Women in Media: She routinely mentors young female broadcast journalism students across Ontario colleges and universities.
- Health & Wellness Focus: She advocates for mental health breaks, functional fitness, and screen-free time in nature.
Did You Know?
- Before committing to television journalism, Grelo completed a psychology degree at York University and considered becoming a French immersion teacher.
- She has reported live from major international events, including the Olympic Games and Royal Visits to Canada.
- Grelo and her co-hosts on The Social celebrated more than a decade of daily broadcasts, making it one of the longest-running and most successful daytime talk shows in Canadian television history.
Social Media Presence
Melissa Grelo connects with hundreds of thousands of fans through her verified digital platforms, where she posts daily behind-the-scenes clips from The Social, equestrian updates, and family moments:
- Instagram: @melissagrelo
- X (Twitter): @melissagrelo
- Facebook: Melissa Grelo Official
- Show Website: The Social on CTV
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Melissa Grelo in 2026?
Born on June 30, 1977, Melissa Grelo is 49 years 1 month old years old.
Who is Melissa Grelo’s husband?
Melissa Grelo is married to Ryan Gaggi, a general contractor and business owner. The couple tied the knot in September 2010.
Does Melissa Grelo have children?
Yes, Melissa Grelo and Ryan Gaggi have one daughter, Marquesa Gaggi, born in March 2014.
What is Melissa Grelo’s ethnic background?
Melissa Grelo has a mixed cultural heritage. Her father is of Portuguese descent and her mother is of Filipino descent.
Is Melissa Grelo still on The Social in 2026?
Yes, Melissa Grelo remains the lead moderator and co-host of CTV’s The Social in 2026, anchoring daily discussions on lifestyle, news, and entertainment.
How tall is Melissa Grelo?
Melissa Grelo stands at 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall.
Final Thoughts
Melissa Grelo’s journey from an Ontario horse farm to the forefront of Canadian television demonstrates true professionalism, cultural pride, and versatility. Whether moderating national debates on The Social or engaging audiences online, she remains a relatable and inspiring figure across the broadcasting industry.
Did you enjoy this biography? Feel free to share this article with fellow daytime television fans on social media and leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources: CTV Media Profiles, Bell Media Press Releases, Canadian Screen Academy Records, Seneca College Alumni Publications, Verified Broadcast Interviews.
