Mario Morales has been a household name in Malta ever since he started presenting Bargains Teleshopping in the early 2000s.

The show has now run its course, and will come to an end of 2023.

But for Mr Morales, the journey came to an end some time ago, with many of the recordings currently airing having been produced a few years back.

After news of Bargains Teleshopping’s impending conclusion was reported by The Times on Thursday, WhosWho.mt reached out to Mr Morales to see how he feels about finally coming off air.

The inimitable host currently resides at Hilltop Gardens in Naxxar, having moved to the retirement village seven years ago.

“I have a much less busy schedule now,” he says. “I’m enjoying retirement.”

Mr Morales describes teleshopping as “a big part of my life,” recalling that sales was always in his blood: “Ever since I was young, I've always been selling. I never had what you can call a ‘proper job’.”

He says that he always sought to live life his way: “Even filming, we would do it when I wanted, when it was convenient for me. I admit, I can be quite headstrong.”

While auguring the very best to Bargains & Co., the company behind Bargains Teleshopping, he encouraged viewers to make use of the clearance prices currently being offered as the last stock gets sold off.

“I’m not the only one who’s gotten older,” he says. “So have the people at the shop. It was time to start winding down.”

Now 74, Mr Morales expresses gratitude for his good health in body and mind.

“I’ve seen other residents’ health deteriorate. It can be devastating, especially when their senses start to leave them. Thankfully, I am doing well so far.”

Asked, finally, if he still watches any teleshopping, he says he does watch it at times.

“If you’re a footballer, you keep loving football even after you retire. It’s the same for me – I’m a salesman.”