Journalist & TV Reporter

I’m currently working at the BBC in Leeds where I’m a journalist and TV presenter and reporter on BBC Look North. My role involves working on a variety of news stories and takes me across Yorkshire. I find my own stories, film, edit, write scripts, produce my own news bulletins and then present them. Working in regional TV is a great way to develop new skills and keep busy! I have previously worked at BBC Breakfast, BBC World, Good Morning Britain and Disney.

In my free time

I’m mum to my little girl Summer who was born in 2021 and my dog willow who was born in 2020.

I raised over £2000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity by running the London Marathon 2019. My husband had cancer at the age of 25 so I wanted to give back to the hospital. I also like to travel and I’m into yoga, dance, cooking and long walks in the country with my husband, David and my dog, Willow.

Travel & Working for Disney

From the age of 20 I worked all over the world as a professional dancer and performer. I worked for Jean Ann Ryan Productions, based in Miami, and also for The Walt Disney Company. I had the honour of playing some of Disney’s most loved heroines in shows at Tokyo Disney Land and in Paris and across the world. At the age of 25 I returned to the UK to retrain as a journalist but I still worked for Disney on a freelance basis throughout uni.

Childhood

I was born in Blackpool, UK in 1987. I grew up in the North West and loved being on stage from being a toddler. I studied dance and musical theatre from an early age and began performing professionally on stage from the age of 15. I have a younger sister who’s now moved down south and my parents still live in the North West.

Education

• MA with Distinction in Broadcast Journalism from City University London.

• First Class Honors Degree in International Development from Sussex University.

• A Levels from Preston College, GSCE’s from Lytham St Annes High School after completing Lytham Church of England Primary School.

Hosting Events & Public Speaking

I’m a member of the Sussex University and City University London Alumni Networks and, since graduating, I have given speeches at a number of careers events. I have delivered presentations on ‘How to get into TV News’ and have also taken part in Q&As and advice evenings. I’ve also really enjoyed appearing as a guest judge at dance competitions for Preston College. In London I worked with a London charity, Luminary Bakery, mentoring disadvantaged women and helping with their CVs and interview skills.

I’m also part of the John Schofield Trust where I’m mentored by Jess Omari.