Without a doubt one of the greatest athletes that Great Britain has ever produced, Colin Jackson called time on his outstanding athletics career in front of an adoring home crowd at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham in 2003. After more than a decade spent at the very pinnacle of his sport, it was a fitting end to a glittering career.
110m hurdler Colin ranked in the world top 10 for 16 years, was World No.1 from 1992-1994 and, for the last 7 years of his career, was never out of the world’s top 3 and since setting a European junior record of 13.44 in 1986, went on to set 7 European, 8 Commonwealth and 9 UK records at 110mh.
Dame Tanni Grey Thompson is Britain's most successful Paralympic athlete ever!
Born in Cardiff in 1969, Tanni was named Carys Davina. However, when her sister first saw her she called her “tiny” which stuck and became Tanni. Tanni was born with spina bifida but with the support of her parents she was always encouraged to be independent. Tanni attended her local primary school – at first using crutches and callipers and then a wheelchair. She progressed to St. Cyres Comprehensive School and subsequently obtained an honours degree in Politics at Loughborough University.
Jamie Owen has been a leading figure in Welsh broadcasting for many years. He is best known as the face of ‘BBC Wales Today’ - the country's most watched news programme. The programme won the Royal Television Society Award for ‘Best News Programme’. He also presents a daily radio talk show for BBC Radio Wales. He is also a successful author and has written four books with another in the pipeline.
'Having trained as a barrister, Justin took up corporate finance, working in both Africa and Singapore. He then went into marketing with a focus on corporate cash management facilities. This led him to help found Broker Services in 1986, which went on to become Barclays Stockbrokers, where he was Marketing Director. In early 2001, he co-founded Seven Investment Management, an investment management business that innovated the UK investment market with the introduction of the first Sterling Investment Wrap Account which now manages and administers in excess of £1.6 billion on behalf of professional financial wealth managers and intermediaries.
Sara is one of Wales’ best known and much loved television presenters. She was born in Wales but grew up and was educated in London where she studied her BA Hons in Medieval and Modern History.
Sara commenced her broadcasting career with Capital Radio in London where she co-wrote a drama documentary series on the history of London. The success of this led to County Sound in Guildford, where she presented a late night music show five nights a week. The offer of her own show followed with lots of music, chat and live phone-ins.
Rory Cellan-Jones has been a reporter for the BBC for more than two decades, covering business and technology stories for much of that time. Rory’s on-screen career began as reporter for ‘Wales Today’ in Cardiff, from where he moved to London as a reporter on ‘Breakfast Time’. He quickly transferred to business coverage, working across the BBC’s output from the ‘Money Programme’ to ‘Newsnight’, from the ‘Today’ programme to the ‘Ten O Clock News’. The stories he has covered range from Black Wednesday and the Maxwell trial to the dot com bubble and the rise of Google.
Roy Noble is a former Head Teacher. His move to broadcasting was gradual and part-time at first but Roy is now one of the best loved and most listened to broadcasters in Wales. His unique brand of humour, easy-going personality and power of verbal communication has made his daily BBC Radio Wales programme one of the most popular in Wales for which he received a Sony Award in 1999.
Roy has also had a highly successful career in television - Network BBC and S4C - working both in the medium of Welsh and English. He has been presenter on a diet series with Barbara Dickson and a three times a week magazine programme. He has a number of successful television series for BBC Wales to his credit, including:
Derek Brockway has had a keen interest in the weather since the tender age of eight. Derek joined the Met Office as an observer in September 1986 and became a fully qualified Met Office forecaster in 1995, landing a job at Birmingham Weather Centre presenting on the radio. There followed a move to London where he made his first television appearance – broadcasting on GMTV.
For over eleven years Derek has been main weather presenter for BBC television’s ‘Wales Today’ and BBC Radio Wales, working closely with the BBC news team Jamie Owen and Sara Edwards.
Simon Weston is a truly inspirational speaker. His irrepressible humour, infectious enthusiasm and immediately engaging personality, have made him the number one choice of many companies who invite him back to speak time and again. An inspiring and moving keynote speaker, Simon is also a wonderful and humorous after dinner speaker.
Following his injuries, Simon's road to physical, spiritual and mental recovery saw him active in a number of highly successful ventures including 'The Weston Spirit', a Liverpool-based young people's charity. He remains a tireless worker for the Royal British Legion and the Royal Star and Garter Home.
BBC Broadcaster Sian Lloyd is both a popular presenter and respected journalist. Sian has been a face of BBC News for more than ten years and currently presents the flagship TV news programme 'Wales Today' (BBC One Wales).
This year Sian was chosen to be a launch presenter of the high profile new BBC 8 pm Summary - which she continues to host. She has reported for both the One o'clock and Six O'clock News.
A radio broadcaster too, Sian has worked on Radio 4's 'Today' Programme, as well as BBC Wales' 'Good Morning' and 'Good Evening Wales'.
Vivacious television presenter, Claire Summers, is a familiar face on BBC Wales' flagship news programme, ‘Wales Today’. Claire enjoys a much varied role on the programme from anchoring the main slot to doing a whole range of live broadcasts from out and about.
Claire also presents 2W news and sport. With her easy going personality and highly tuned sense of humour, Claire is extremely popular with viewers and colleagues alike. Claire is passionate about news, and enjoys the challenge of a hard story but, at the same time, has a lighter touch.
Chris is currently writing the second series of the sitcom, Those That Can't with Greg Davies (The Inbetweeners/We Are Klang), which they will perform and direct together, for BBC Radio Wales.
On Saturday mornings he co-hosts Rhod Gilbert's BBC Radio Wales Radio Show and has also fronted two documentary series- Nice Club, No Trouble and Chris Corcoran's Club Cultures for the station.
Sean Fletcher is a sport presenter on BBC One, and the BBC News Channel. Sean's story is one of seizing opportunities, from when he got his initial break on BBC Wales, to doing the 10 O'Clock News alongside Moira Stewart at short notice because the regular sport presenter was suddenly taken ill.
Sean, who was born in New York but now lives in Wales, got into broadcasting by accident, after doing a degree in geography. He trained as a music producer and then got a job making radio packages for BBC Wales. From there moved to BBC Sport in London mainly working on the production side of Radio 5 Live,
Nigel Walker first achieved world class recognition as an athlete when he represented Great Britain as a high hurdler on 30 occasions at all major events, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Nigel retired from athletics in 1992 to pursue a second sports career as a rugby union player with Cardiff RFC. In his first season he was capped for Wales at full international level and went on to accrue 17 full international caps. Media work for Nigel has been wide and varied, covering television, radio and the press.
Jason Mohammad is one of BBC Wales' most experienced and high profile news and sport presenters. He is currently one of the main presenters of Wales Today and is also the presenter of Wales on Saturday, BBC1's fast moving sport results programme. In late 2007, Jason will also become the face of BBC Wales' new sport programme, Sport Wales and will also be present live football.
Jason is one of the most popular broadcasters and can also be heard on BBC Radio Wales. He has presented Good Morning Wales and is a team captain on the light hearted sports quiz Extra Time.
Warm, witty and intelligent, Louise is best known for her outstanding journalism, particularly in the field of consumer affairs. While Louise was presenter of the popular BBC1 TV show X-Ray, the programme won a Bafta Cymru award for best magazine programme and Louise earned the title of Consumer Journalist of the Year from the influential Trading Standards Institute.
Louise now hosts BBC Radio Wales’ flagship programme ‘Jamie and Louise’ – a live, 3-hour magazine show with co-presenter Jamie Owen. Popular music, great interviews, good advice and Louise’s wicked sense of humour take listeners from 9am until 12 noon every weekday!
David Garmston has more than 20 years’ live television experience and is a highly acclaimed journalist and broadcaster.
He trained on newspapers and worked in radio before moving into television. He anchors ‘Points West’ a major regional nightly news programme and is one of the best known television faces in the west country, where he is based.
David is also the presenter of a live, weekly Political programme,‘The Politics Show’ which features in-depth interviews with leading national and local politicians.
Popular television presenter, Alex Lovell, is the daily evening news anchor for BBC Points West. In addition to reading the news, Alex’s role includes interviewing guests and broadcasting live from a wide range of major events - from an Education special to Children In Need.
Alex also presents ‘Front of House’ a weekly round of up arts and entertainment, interviewing stars of stage and screen. Until very recently, Alex presented Five's exciting daily live quiz show, ‘Brainteaser’, which was on air for five years.
Alex is an extremely versatile broadcaster and has presented television across many genres including light entertainment, news and current affairs, children’s quizzes and shopping. These have been in different formats, live and pre-record; on location or in studios; scripted and improvised.
Richard Angwin is the BBC Points West weather presenter for the Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire regions. He is Met Office trained and joined the BBC team on a full-time basis in 2000, although he had been making occasional TV appearances as far back as 1995.
When the opportunity to present the weather on a more permanent basis came along Richard jumped at the chance. Working with the BBC allows him to communicate his interest and enthusiasm for weather to as many people as possible.Over the years Richard has presented the Points West weather whilst wing-walking, grass-boarding, swimming and even inside a giant bicycle wheel.
Jonathan has been the main news anchor for ITV Wales for more than a decade and is a very familiar face for Welsh viewers. With over fifteen years of broadcasting experience he is a highly accomplished live performer both in the studio and on location. Jonathan is also an award winning journalist and in 2001 he was named Welsh Journalist of the Year for his work with the flagship news programme ‘Wales Tonight’ and the current affairs series ‘Wales This Week’.
In 1996 Jonathan won a BAFTA Cymru for his ‘Wales This Week’ report on the Tooze murder investigation. He has also presented and produced a number of documentaries, including ‘The First Fifteen’ which was shortlisted for an ITV News Award in 2007.
Matthew covers all angles of health in the West. From research helping to save lives, to the politics affecting the cleanliness of your GP surgery, plus the delay you face getting an appointment. He started with the BBC at Radio Norfolk in 1988.
His career took him via Radio Leicester to Slough, where he set up a district office for Radio Berkshire.
He was broadcast journalist for two years at BBC Spotlight in Plymouth and in 1995, became the Health Correspondent for the West of England.
Within a month of his appointment, he broke one of the biggest medical stories of the 20th Century - the Bristol heart babies scandal.
Stunning television presenter Mai Davies has had an impressive career in television to-date. She was, for several years, the reader of the daily Sky Television news. Mai has also presented many other television programmes, including the weekly chat show/discussion programme ‘On the Edge’ featuring high profile celebrities and prominent figures; ‘Wales This Week’, the award winning weekly investigative current affairs programme.
Sarah is one of the most established and experienced Presenters in Wales. For twenty years she has worked for the BBC presenting live network programmes on BBC 1 and 2 as well as a wide range of television and radio programmes for BBC Wales.
She currently presents BBC Wales’s flagship news programme Good Morning Wales and produces a variety of documentaries for her own independent production company. Sarah started out in journalism at Gwent Broadcasting just as the 1984 Miners Strike began.
Sue Perkins began her career as one quarter of double act ‘Mel and Sue’. They first found fame on Channel Four’s daytime show, ‘Light Lunch’, which ran for five series before transferring to an evening slot with the imaginatively titled, ‘Late Lunch’. Together they jumped and shouted through countless hours of television, marking the start of a double act that has lasted for seventeen years.
Mel and Sue have appeared in five national tours and six Edinburgh festivals, played netball on Room 101, dressed up as Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson for Celebrity Stars in their Eyes and been propositioned, twice, by Michael Bolton.
Melissa Porter is a much sought after travel and lifestyle presenter. No matter what the program theme, the emphasis is on her relationships with people. She has an intrinsic love of helping people achieve their dreams. In 2002 Melissa was cherry-picked to front a new BBC Two primetime series “Get A New Life” which helped British families start a brand new life abroad.
This series played to Melissa's strengths as a property expert, travel addict and all-round people person! Now, Melissa is one of television’s most sought after lifestyle experts. She relishes the opportunity to advise people on how to transform their lives, and her television projects are based on a solid business foundation. Melissa is a broadcaster and businesswoman.
Jenny Eclair has become synonymous with Grumpy Old Women Live, having co-written the show and starred in every performance to date. Following much critical acclaim this theatre phenomenon has, over the course of two sell-out UK tours, a hugely successful West End residency and tour of Australia, sold in excess of 150,000 tickets.
Last autumn Jenny toured with the ‘Because I Forgot To Get A Pension’ show, which saw her return to her stand-up roots. Jenny became the first woman ever to win stand-up’s highest accolade, the Perrier Award, with her 1995 Edinburgh show Prozac and Tantrums and is still one of only two female winners.
Sandi had six years schooling at Mamoroneck High School, New York and later attained a First Class honours degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at Girton College, Cambridge. At Cambridge she was awarded the Theresa Montefiore Memorial Award for outstanding academic achievement. She appeared in a variety of Footlights shows and was the director, writer and performer of the first all female Cambridge Revue.
Theatre credits include a season with the Nottingham Playhouse, one with the New Shakespeare Company at Regents Park and THE POCKET DREAM which she also co-wrote at the Albery Theatre, London.and the musical Big Night OuT with songs by Dillie Keane.
Michelle Mone grew up in the East End of Glasgow. Entrepreneurial Spirit was prevalent from an early age and whilst her friends had posters of Duran Duran on their wall, she had Richard Branson. When Michelle’s father was struck down with an illness that left him confined to a wheelchair, in order to support her Mum and Dad, Michelle left school at age 15 with no qualifications to find full time employment.
When asked to describe Phil Bennett, one rugby author wrote: "There is a word in Spanish which is used when other superlatives are deemed inadequate - 'Duendne'. It has no equivalent in English or Welsh but it accurately describes that doyen of Welsh Rugby, Phil Bennett.
He was a rugby player whose talents defy definition; a mercurial mix of the impressive, the unexpected and dare I say, the superhuman!" Born on October 24th 1948, Phil grew up in the small village of Felinfoel, in the rugby mad town of Llanelli.
Bob Constantine is known to viewers as one of Bristol’s ITV West most popular presenters over the last twenty years.
Bob was born in Yorkshire and was educated at the Leys School in Cambridge and attained a BA Joins Hons from Bristol University. Bob joined the Jersey Evening Post as a trainee reporter, from where he later attained his NCTJ certificate.
Bob moved to the Bath Evening Chronicle as a general reporter, becoming News Editor the following year. Bob was offered a job at HTV (now ITV West Country) which was the start of a very successful television career.
Will Glennon has been one of the faces of the BBC in the West for over 10 years. A consummate broadcaster known for his warm, friendly style, Will can be seen regularly as one of the main presenters and reporters on the flagship Points West news programme on BBC One. Will is senior presenter on the 8pm bulletin on BBC One, launching and developing it in the West, and has also presented and reported on Inside Out West.
Will has previously worked at BBC Wales in TV and Radio, in News, Sport and Entertainment, at ITV Wales, and at Riviera Radio in Monte Carlo! Will is an experienced live performer and has reported on some of the biggest stories in the West.
Multi-talented Mike Doyle excels at everything he does. His television performances always command top viewing figures and he is one of Wales’ favourite radio presenters.
Mike is a West End singer and award winning comic who leaves his audiences spellbound after his many appearances all over the world. He rarely leaves the stage without a standing ovation.
BBC Television presenter Amanda Parr loves to be out and about. You may catch her fronting Points West news or presenting a series on natural history, literature or archaeology, all of which she has a passion for.
Amanda has always loved teasing out a good story; that's what set her on her path to news. She started making tea in a local radio newsroom, sneaking the chance to write bits of copy for bulletins. Bitten by the bug, she went on to London to study for a post-grad in Broadcast Journalism.
She worked with the old ‘Breakfast with Frost’ team, at BBC Radio Five Live, ITN, and in local radio.
Fiona Lamdin is a familiar face on BBC Points West but other than television she is also a well known voice of radio. Fiona had an unusual start in journalism. She was in Ecuador working for a radio station and, thanks to a huge tropical storm, ended up interviewing the former US President Jimmy Carter in her pyjamas! Since then things have been slightly more straightforward.
Fiona started her broadcasting career at BBC Radio Bristol in 2000. She spent four months aboard the Bristol Clipper broadcasting and working as a crew member as they sailed the Pacific.
Howard started his broadcast career at 58,000 feet onboard Concorde en route to New York, reporting for BBC Radio 5's ‘RAVE’ programme. He also reported for Radio 5's ‘The Couch Potato's Guide to Creative Leisure’ and ‘The Changing Face of Employment’. He went on to become a BBC Radio Wales Newsreader, BBC Choice presenter and guest presenter for ‘Livetime’ - Granada Breeze.
A familiar voice on Radio Wales, Howard has reported and presented for ‘Hospital Watch’; ‘Saturday Live’; ‘ Livetime’; ‘30 Something Else’; ‘On the Spot’; ‘Seasons’; ‘Royal Appointment’; ‘The Perfect Day - Millennium Music Live’; ‘The Big Buzz’; ‘Four Star’; ‘Cashback’; and’ Showtime’ from the International Festival of Musical Theatre.
Ruth Badger grew up in Wolverhampton. At 16 she left full time education, with just 3 GCSE’s, to join a YTS in the Civil Service. Her first big break was when she got a job working as a processor for a local financial services Company.
Ruth quickly excelled, was promoted 4 times in just 18 months, and was awarded with four company awards for performance, including the fantastic accolade of National Employee of the year for GE Capital, receiving an all expenses cruise around Europe.
From the minute Kristina Grimes hit our screens during the first episode of ‘The Apprentice’, the nation were left in no doubt that she was a force to be reckoned with.
Kristina was, without doubt, the people’s favourite. She excelled at every task undertaken and displayed a steel-like determination to succeed. Her outstanding business attributes were evident week after week and, unlike many of the other competitors, stayed clear of the back-biting that they appeared to thrive on.
Highly popular television presenter, Arfon Haines Davies has been one of ITV Wales’ main presenters for over 30 years. Arfon was, for very many years one of the main news presenters on HTV. He has also presented Quizzes; Documentaries; Concerts; and Sports programmes and can currently be seen on the long running archive series "Never to be Forgotten".
Arfon is equally at ease with English or Welsh broadcasting and has presented many Welsh language programmes on S4C including ‘Pacio’; ‘Penblwydd Hapus’; ‘Cledrau Coll’ and, most recently, ‘Pws’
`A natural comedian bursting with presence with a powerful, solid, scary-good voice....a complete star!` New York Times
Originally from Carmarthen in West Wales, Mark is one of the most exciting classical British performers of his generation.
He regularly performs with the likes of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Katherine Jenkins, Alfie Boe, Shan Cothi and his brother, Tenor Wynne Evans (Go Compare) as well as regularly presenting for the BBC.
With his distinctive, Italianate baritone voice, Mark has sung at most of the world’s major opera houses & concert venues in the UK as well as singing to a 75,000 strong audience before international rugby matches at the Wales Millennium Stadium.
Frances was born in Cardiff and attended University there. Her career in broadcasting started in radio - at 210FM in Reading and Severn Sound in Gloucester. She went from there to HTV West before going on to Meridian TV, ITN and Sky News.
This lead to her working on Sky Sports and News 24 Sport. She has reported from a number of Six Nations OB's for BBC Network Sport and has also presented from the Commonwealth Games for BBC Wales.Frances is a familiar and popular host to viewers and listeners throughout Wales and beyond. She's a much respected anchor of sports programming including 'Wales on Saturday', 'Sports Personality of the Year', 'International Snooker', 'Bowls' and 'Boxing' all for BBC television.
Bought up in Llanelli in South Wales, Richard Evans studied Electrical Engineering at Bath University and Journalism at City University in London. He trained as a newspaper reporter on the South Wales Argus in Newport before joining GWR Radio in Bristol.
He was a duty editor at BBC Wales before joining Radio One's Newsbeat where he was latterly news presenter on the Zoe Ball Breakfast show. He's reported at home and abroad for various BBC outlets including the Today Programme, The World at One and PM and presented series for BBC Radio Four, BBC Radio Five Live, BBC World Service, BBC Wales Radio and Television.
Celebrity genealogist Cat Whiteaway’s journey into broadcasting took a rather winding path. She gained a ‘first’ in sports science at UWIC. After studying for an M.Phil she became a senior lecturer in exercise psychology and health issues. Cat has also worked as a lifeguard; waterskiing instructor and was in the first ever Welsh squad for women’s rugby – in the front row! ......Bit of a long time ago now and not very conducive to a feminine TV presenting profile so perhaps you can take out the last 3 words please.
Cat then trained as a ‘Probate Investigator’ – locating the missing beneficiaries of people who have died without leaving a will. What she found particularly satisfying about this was the ability to reunite people with an inheritance but, more importantly, provide them with details of their family history.
Dr Paul Thomas is on a mission to rid the world of managers. He believes the workplace would be better off if we ditched the traditional way of managing, and instead gave every single member of staff a say in the running of the business. His aim in life is to make organisations democratic, fun and enjoyable places to work. Paul is a familiar voice to listeners of BBC Radio Wales as The Business Doctor. The series follows him as he tries to prove to companies that his unconventional views really will make them more productive and profitable. An expert in complexity theory,
Top chef, food writer, food consultant and former chef to the rich and famous, Angela Gray is one of the leading lights on the food scene. At a very young age, Angela applied to a prestigious agency in London. She was soon sent on her first assignment to work for a count and countess in their chateau in Belgium – and was invited back for several years after.
There followed assignments in Paris, Switzerland and Canada. On returning to Britain, she worked in hotels, ran a restaurant and was commissioned to cater for exclusive art exhibitions, business launches and private lunches. Angela wrote for ‘A Taste of Wales’ and it was because of the success of this that she was commissioned for her first television series which was subsequently re-commissioned.
Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Carolyn Hitt combines wit, warmth and a way with words. She has written and presented television and radio series on the arts, popular culture, consumer issues, history and sport for Radio 4, BBC Radio Wales and ITV Wales.
Carolyn’s broadcasting projects have ranged from Family Detectives, the popular ITV family history series to Gareth@60, a BBC documentary on rugby legend Gareth Edwards. She is also in demand as a media pundit on a wide variety of subjects, from current affairs to literature and as a producer has worked with some of Wales’s most well-known personalities
Jim is one of the most inspiring and highly sought after speakers in Europe. He is the only speaker to have developed a unique model for personal and business achievement and proved it in response to an audience challenge.
He put his life on the line to go from overweight, smoking, non-riding consultant to riding in his first televised race as a jockey in just 12 months. All to prove that The Ten Rules for Taming Tigers is not “self-help snake oil” but a unique set of tools for change.
Robert Craven is one of the UK best-known and sought after speakers on entrepreneurship; anyone who has experienced one of his impactive presentations will know exactly why. Robert because he is challenging, honest and goading. He knows how to grow a business …– he has been there and done it…
After running his own restaurants, recording studio and training companies, Robert spent five years leading training and consultancy programmes for entrepreneurial businesses at Warwick Business School.
Professor Garel Rhys held the SMMT Chair in Motor Industry Economics in the Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University until 2005. He also headed the Economics Section in the School until 1999. He was Director of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research (CAIR) in the University also until 2005. He is now Emeritus Professor in the Cardiff University Business School and Centre for Automotive Industry Research.
Caroline Aston is a fascinating speaker who is a firm favourite on cruises on the up-market Cunard line. If things historical have always given you a headache, Caroline is the huyman equivalent of an aspirin! Laugh, smile, ponder and weep at the antics of our aristocratic ancestors as Caroline lifts the silken skirts of history to reveal the back-stockinged ankles underneath.
Broadcaster and features writer for ‘Majesty’, the premier royalty magazine in the UK, Caroline has spoken throughout Britain and Europe, including the Café Royal, London; Antwerp; Hamburg and Luxenbourg. Caroline’s talks amuse and reveal all concerning the lives and loves of our monarchs from Charles II to the present day.
Miss Wilding joined the Jersey States Police as a cadet in 1967 and was attested as a constable in 1970. In 1971, she transferred to the Metropolitan Police where she predominantly served as an operational detective throughout London and on specialist units in New Scotland Yard. She became an Assistant Chief Constable in Kent Constabulary in 1994.
In 1998, she transferred to the Metropolitan Police as Deputy Assistant Commissioner and served as Director of Strategic Resources and also Specialist Operations, where she commanded the Security and Protection Directorate which included protection of Ministers, Royal Family, Special Branch, Heathrow Airport, covert intelligence and the specialist firearms unit.
Ruth Madoc is best known for her wonderful portrayal of Gladys Pugh in the classic comedy series ‘Hi-De-Hi!’ for which received a BAFTA nomination.
A graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she has covered every aspect of the theatrical and entertainment industry, making her one of the country’s most sought after leading ladies.
After leaving RADA, Ruth spent three years with ‘Black and White Minstrel Show’ and in various summer seasons with Lesley Crowther, Max Wall and Bruce Forsyth in the last days of provincial variety.
Jasper is a brilliantly funny, multi-talented effervescent performer. Whether he is acting as a host/speaker/magician or escape artist, Jasper has the audience in the palm of his hands.
Jasper is a professional close-up and cabaret magician. As a trained actor and performer, Jasper entertains and brings a fresh, original approach to magic. Having worked with both major blue-chip companies and private clients, Jasper has established himself as one of the most diverse magical performers in the UK. Being a versatile and unique magician, Jasper can be found at black tie dinners, launching supercars, and entertaining celebrities. Jasper is a member of The Magic Circle.
Hugely popular and high profile in Wales, Sarra is one of the most talented, professional and attractive presenters around.
Sarra is currently the pitch-side reporter for Clwb Rygbi on S4C. She is also the presenter for Speedway on Sky Sports, Rugby World Cup and Celtic League Rugby for S4C/BBC. A lover of all sport and music, she was the presenter for Wakestock 2008 shown on both S4C and Channel 4. Most recently Sarra could be seen presenting 100% Rugby, 100% Fitness, Paparazzi and Bandit, a prime-time weekly youth music show plus Ceri Greu which is a children’s art programme all for S4C.
Television presenter, Justina Simpson, began her career behind the camera in a production company in London, after completing a media and business degree at Manchester University, followed by a post graduate in journalism. Justina’s first role in production was as a runner on low budget gangster movie. The unknown director was Guy Ritchie and the blue print became the hit movie Lock stock and two smoking barrels.
Justina worked her way through the ranks of TV and radio to pursue her dream to be a journalist. She is now a senior correspondent and one of the main presenters on ITV. Also presenting programmes such as a series about the work of carers who devote their lives to looking after others.
Penny Roberts is one of Wales’s most respected and well known television journalists and presenters, with a BBC career that spanned more than two decades. In that time Penny has been at the centre of all the major news events and stories and has built a reputation as a formidable interviewer but is also a presenter who is warm and has a light touch when required.
Penny began her career in independent radio before moving to anchor the main drive-time news programme on BBC Radio Wales. She also worked as the country's network correspondent and has been a regular reporter on Radio 4's ‘Today’ programme. A move to television followed and for five years Penny anchored ‘Wales Today’, before being appointed the programme's Chief Reporter.
Described by The Times as both “the world’s most enthusiastic man” and “an expert on everything from pop music to astrophysics”, by the Daily Mail as someone whose “wit and enthusiasm can enliven the dullest of topics”, and by the Daily Telegraph as “dauntless”, Quentin hosts a diverse range of events in Britain and beyond as well as appearing regularly on radio, TV and in print. He’s probably best known for presenting the UK's most listened to science programme, The Material World on BBC Radio 4’s - “the most accessible, funny and conversational science programme on radio” according to The Radio Times, “excellent...a splendid listen” according to Nature.
Andrew Price is the presenter of A-Z of Bushcraft. He is an expert in ‘living off the land’ and has travelled extensively all over the world in order to study the traditional skills of indigenous peoples including the Orang Astli people of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, as well as the native inhabitants of Australia and Canada. Andrew trained as a Ninja warrior for 5 years attaining a high level of skills.
Andrew is a popular writer for various Bushcraft & Survival magazines. He is an experienced practitioner of a wide range of outdoor pursuits including Kayaking, Cycling, Rock Climbing, and Mountaineering.
Television presenter, Iolo Williams, grew up in in Llanwddyn near Lake Vyrnwy.
At the beginning of 1985, Iolo got a job with the RSPB and spent the next 14 years working for the organisation. During this time, he became a regular on the media - on TV, radio and in newspapers - making a name for himself as a leading expert on Welsh birdlife.
His big TV break came in 1997 when BBC Wales approached him to work on a new series called ‘Visions of Snowdonia’ which followed the lives of six people living and working on the slopes of the country's highest mountain. He was offered a second series - this time, Iolo was 'Birdman' and it's a name that has stuck.
Shortly afterwards, in 1999, Iolo decided to leave the RSPB and pursue a full-time career in the media.
Behnaz was born in Shiraz, Iran. She moved to Swansea when she was 10 years old and has lived in Wales ever since. She has a good command of Farsi. She went to University of Glamorgan where she gained a BA in communication studies. She completed her postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at Cardiff University.
Behnaz initially joined the BBC in 2001 working behind the scenes in News. She then went on to become a picture editor and a video journalist, where she produced various stories on Wales Today.
Behnaz always wanted to become a weather forecaster and went on the mission of learning and applying for weather presenting job. In 2008, on her third attempt, she successfully passed the weather knowledge and screen test.
Iwan Thomas MBE is without a doubt, one of the greatest athletes that Britain has produced. Born on 5thJanuary 1974.
His initial athletics breakthrough came at the “World Junior Championships” in 1992, as part of the British 4x400m relay team, in which they won 5th place. In 1993, Iwan attended West London Institute of Higher Education, studying Sports Science and Geography. Working extremely hard, Iwan managed to juggle his studies and training which paid off, in 1994 took part in the “Commonwealth Games” 400 metres, setting a Welsh Record where he reached the semi-finals, representing Wales.
Originally from Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Chris started his career as a cameraman, working all over Wales, Europe and the world for clients as diverse as BBC, S4C, The weather channel, Malaysian TV, ZDF and many many more. He has also been responsible for filming and directing a number of different programmes and promotions for S4C and various and numerous clients including WTN, ZDF, Saudi TV, Welsh Tourist Board, Welsh language board, Ty Hafan, WWF, Welsh Assembly, Taste of Wales, Motor Neurone Disease Association, NCH, Chinese Tourism board and the Welsh National Opera.
Ashleigh Crowter is a sports reporter and presenter for BBC ‘Wales Today’, Wales’ flagship television news programme. He is an accomplished broadcaster and witty speaker and an ideal host for conferences and events.
Ashleigh’s working brief is to cover the best stories in Welsh sport – from Grand Slam champions to grassroots heroes. Over the last 13 years, Ashleigh has been close to the biggest sporting events in Wales and overseas.
Broadcaster and former schoolteacher Phil Steele is one of Wales’ most popular after dinner speakers.
His strong sporting background as a former top class welsh rugby player with Newport RFC in the 1980`s together with his role as a mirthful radio presenter and sports commentator for BBC Wales radio and television have enabled him to develop a wide variety of material.
Phil’s twenty-five years experience as a teacher - mostly spent teaching pupils with learning difficulties in The Rhymney Valley of South Wales has also provided him with a rich fund of humour.
Sue Charles is a familiar and friendly face and voice across BBC, as a news and weather presenter.
Professionally qualified as a journalist, Sue also trained in meteorology, and presents the weather on BBC Radio Wales and BBC television ‘Wales Today’ programme. Her broadcasting experience is diverse and covers news, weather and music all for the BBC.
Sue worked for several years as a BBC TV news journalist; reporting, presenting and producing for ‘Wales Today’.
Kevin Green is one of the most sought after speakers – not only in Wales but throughout the world. A former dairy farmer turned property mogul and trainer, Kevin was on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaires .
Kevin is Wales’ most successful residential landlord. When you meet him and hear his fascinating story, not only will you be bowled over by his knowledge and enthusiasm for life and the property industry but you will find his ‘rags to riches’ story rather larger than life. Kevin, a property guru, social entrepreneur and trainer is the proud owner of 267 properties throughout Wales, worth in excess of £29 million.
Rebecca John is a popular and experienced reporter and presenter on the television news programme, BBC Wales Today.
Rebecca has a passion for languages and studied French and German at Cambridge University. She has also learnt Welsh and has appeared on the S4C programme, Welsh in a Week. Her love of language and attention to detail have earned her the title of Wales Today’s unofficial ‘grammar tsar’.
Nicola Beckford is a familiar face to Breakfast TV viewers in the West Country, having presented the news on BBC One for Points West.
A versatile BBC presenter and journalist, she has a warm and confident style with many years experience in broadcasting.
Nicola is a specialist in the Freedom of Information Act and currently works for BBC News in London. She has an in depth knowledge of the workings of the regional and national newsrooms and how stories make it to air on TV and radio.
Robert Winston, Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London, runs a research programme in the Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, on improvements in transgenic technology in animal models, with a long-term aim of improving human transplantation.
He has around 300 scientific publications in peer-review journals on reproduction and embryology. He is also Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, Chairman of the Royal College of Music and was voted “Peer of the Year” by his fellow Parliamentarians in June 2008. He is a member of the Council of the University of Surrey.
S4C's Intrepid Television Presenter Lowri Morgan is no stranger to tough challenges. In the past she's taken on her share of extreme challenges and pushed herself to the very limit.
Born and bred in Gowerton, Swansea, Lowri graduated in Music - specialising in voice. She is an accomplished soloist as well as being a trained violinist and pianist. During her youth, she was a member of the National Youth Choir as well as the National Youth Orchestra and travelled with the county orchestra as their soloist singing Welsh folk songs throughout America.