Presenter biographies: V to Z

Heather is a breastfeeding counsellor with the National Childbirth Trust and a freelance journalist with more than 20 years' experience writing about health, family life and education issues for the national press, magazines and the web.

Her books include Healthy Eating in Pregnancy, Breastfeeding your Baby and Helping your Baby or Child to Sleep Better. She is a frequent contributor on TV, radio and the web. Heather lives in Newcastle upon Tyne in the north east of England.

Ross Welford is a writer and TV producer. A former editor of TV World magazine, he has produced TV shows for all the major channels. After a long spell producing ITV's This Morning, he also worked on Pet Rescue (Channel 4) and Critical Condition (BBC One). He is the brother of Heather Welford (above). He lives in London with his wife and twin children.

Due to Maxine's natural mum having psychological problems, she was put into care when she was just a few days old. Her care experience officially lasted until she was 18, but she moved into her own flat when she was 17.

Maxine lived in many places including several foster placements and children's homes. Although she had a long-term foster family, this placement broke down and she was moved to a children's home.

Maxine is a Mancunian and after leaving school she furthered her education with several A-levels. She also became a driving instructor and ran her own driving school for several years. She gained a BA degree in TV and radio documentary making and takes an active interest in community media projects.

Maxine works as national coordinator for A National Voice (ANV), the only national organisation for young people in and from care that provides a platform for the voices of the 60,000 young people in care in England. ANV listens to young people's views about care to try to make positive changes to the system. It also lobbies government and puts on events and consultations for young people around England.

Maxine's hobbies include going to live music gigs as she's a massive music fan. She has recently become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.