Fans of beloved TV personality Costa Georgiadis will be happy to hear he took out a national prize this week, one that will soon see his likeness immortalised through art.

Costa was announced winner of The People’s Portrait by The National Portrait Gallery following thousands – yes, thousands – of votes from across the country.

The People’s Portrait was designed to celebrate 25 years since the gallery’s first commissioned work (Nick Cave, by Howard Arkley) by inviting the public to choose its next commission.

It marked the first time public opinion has held sway in the commissioning process and competition was steep.

Costa was one of 25 Australian performers, athletes, musicians, comedians, actors, fashion designers, activists and advocates shortlisted for the competition in 2024.

Despite being up against the likes of Baker Boy, Poh Ling Yeow, Hannah Gadsby, Courtney Act, and even The Wiggles, Costa was the surefire winner.

The National Portrait Gallery said voters loved his down-to-earth personality, genuine passion, unique look, and ability to connect with people of all ages.

A number of Costa’s voters thought his unique features would make for a fascinating portrait. Photo: Costa Georgiadis.

Alongside his role as host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, Costa is a renowned landscape architect, author and environmental educator.

Inspired by his Pappou (grandfather) at a young age, Costa’s love for the natural world is a source of joy for green thumbs of all kinds.

Well known for his enthusiasm, wit and wisdom, Costa’s belief that gardening nurtures soil and soul has drawn many a casual grower deep into the world of sustainable horticulture.

While the artist bringing his portrait to life has not yet been announced, Costa said he was looking forward to the collaboration.

“Making art is similar to creating a garden, in that it requires research, planning, creativity, and lots of time and patience,” he said.

“I’m thrilled to be given this honour and am humbled that the public voted for me.”

National Portrait Gallery director, Bree Pickering, said she and her team were delighted by how engaged voters were in the competition.

“This was a unique opportunity for the public to participate in the commissioning process and it was enthusiastically embraced with thousands of votes received,” she said.

“Costa is a leading voice in environmental sustainability and has spent his career sharing the joy that is possible with gardening. We’re thrilled Costa’s story will join the collection.

“We look forward to realising this commission and sharing the process along the way, from announcing the artist to ultimately revealing the work.”

Costa’s portrait will be unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery later this year. The commission will join almost 90 others, depicting remarkable individuals who have helped shape Australian life and culture.