Weather Presenter, Member of SWS

Why the weather:
I’m the product of a very lively household and I knew I had to keep talking to survive in a family of teachers! I knew my fate was to do with communication - it was inevitable!
I’m a great believer in all-rounders. I loved science at school as much as the arts. I really believe that in a modern world, people need to be equipped with both. I juggled the arts and sciences and, even though my degree and research afterwards was in the arts, I was always hankering after the sciences! Working with the weather presented that challenge.

Starting off:
Whilst I was working for Worldwide Television News in London, I got the chance to work with the Met Office on some documentaries on the weather. At the time, they were looking for people to present the weather, so they asked me to do a screen test.

Big break:
I started as a researcher for BBC Wales Today having responded to an advert in the media pages of ‘The Guardian’. I then became an announcer for S4C. I do believe that my background of bilingual education encourages a performing tradition - drama, the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Career highlight:
Being on stage presenting the concert to celebrate the opening of the National Assembly for Wales. It was a wonderful night with such a positive feeling of everyone feeling special together. The pride was there. Wales had come of age! And the stars were amazing - Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Jonathan Pryce, Ioan Gruffudd... and so many more.

Low:
Spitting out chewing gum live on air, and the gum landing on the weather map in the middle of Wales! Something went wrong with the previous programme, and they decided to come to me early. I was standing there with a glass of water, chewing gum. I couldn’t speak with gum in, so I had to get rid of it.

Work with SWS (Social, Welsh and Sexy):
It’s hugely important to me and people really want to become members. It is so important for Wales to be confident and SWS encourages that. I’m always very positive about Wales. At SWS you can talk to anyone and there’s a good feeling of companionship.

Tips from the top:
The media world isn’t about individuals - it’s about teamwork. There isn’t any room for prima donnas, everyone has to work together. You also need lots of staying power, because the work can be strenuous, day in and day out. It’s easy to become disheartened but don’t give up! Learn to cope with rejection and be resilient.

Schooldays:
I had a good memory at school, which meant I did well in exams. It’s also been useful for me in my work, as we don’t have autocue, so I have to remember all the details.