BBC - Weather Centre - About BBC Weather - Biographies

BBC Weatherman Darren Bett was born in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. He graduated from the University of East Anglia (Norwich) in 1989 with an Honours degree in Environmental Science.

In September of that year, Darren joined the Meteorological Office as a weather forecaster, one of the first graduates to move directly into forecasting. After spells at Glasgow Weather Centre and the National Met Centre he moved to Leeds Weather Centre in 1992. In 1994 he became the main regional weather presenter for BBC Look North and contributed to many local television programmes.

Darren joined the BBC national weather team in London in October 1997 to work on BBC News 24, and now broadcasts across the main domestic channels.

Darren, who currently lives in Hampshire, is married and has three young children. Much of his time is spent cleaning up after the kids, but in his spare time he enjoys football and golf - he won the Leeds Weather Centre golf tournament in 1996. He has a keen interest in DIY and woodwork, particularly making toys for his children.

FAQ - Darren Bett
Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Darren Bett on your behalf...

What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?
I worked as a hospital porter for a few months (a real eye-opener). I joined the Met Office in September 1989. Following a 6 month forecaster training course I had postings at Glasgow Weather Centre, National Met Centre (Bracknell) and Leeds Weather Centre before moving to the BBC Weather Centre.

When did you become a weather forecaster?
1994 at Leeds Weather Centre. I was a stand-in presenter (covering for the boss when he was on leave) on BBC 'Look North'. I didn't have an audition or any training, the previous presenter left suddenly to work abroad and there was no other person left suitable for the job. Thrown in at the deep end!

Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?
I wanted to be a doctor but didn't have the grades. An interest in weather led me to write to Ian McCaskill about qualifications for a job at the Met Office. I wasn't expecting to end up on TV.

Do you get nervous before a broadcast?
Sometimes, mostly doing the prime time BBC1 broadcasts when I first started.

Have you ever made any mistakes?
Sure, nothing serious. You tend to be a perfectionist in this job, sometimes you could say or show something better but people at home would tend not to notice.

Is your job hard?
Yes. The weather is always changing so keeping up with developments, changing graphics and telling the right story, and keeping to time, is demanding.

Do you enjoy your job?
Yes. Usually.

Could anyone do your job?
I hope not. It's not just about presenting the weather. You have to present with authority, and to do that takes experience and training.

Weather Home Weather News Photo Gallery Weatherwise About BBC Weather UK Reviews UK Warnings Monthly Outlook Climate Guides Average Conditions Sports Coast and Sea Climate Change Site FAQ Today's team Meet the team Find a forecast Graphics More BBC Weather	Darren Bett	Team Biographies ...and some familiar faces from over the years bbc.co.uk Links BBC Mobile website BBC Sport on PDA h2g2 on PDA More about BBC Weather About the BBC Weather Centre Michael Fish retires Farewell Helen Young Helen Willetts 'Best Weather Presenter'
	BBC Weatherman Darren Bett was born in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. He graduated from the University of East Anglia (Norwich) in 1989 with an Honours degree in Environmental Science. In September of that year, Darren joined the Meteorological Office as a weather forecaster, one of the first graduates to move directly into forecasting. After spells at Glasgow Weather Centre and the National Met Centre he moved to Leeds Weather Centre in 1992. In 1994 he became the main regional weather presenter for BBC Look North and contributed to many local television programmes. Darren joined the BBC national weather team in London in October 1997 to work on BBC News 24, and now broadcasts across the main domestic channels. Darren, who currently lives in Hampshire, is married and has three young children. Much of his time is spent cleaning up after the kids, but in his spare time he enjoys football and golf - he won the Leeds Weather Centre golf tournament in 1996. He has a keen interest in DIY and woodwork, particularly making toys for his children. FAQ - Darren Bett Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Darren Bett on your behalf... What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster? I worked as a hospital porter for a few months (a real eye-opener). I joined the Met Office in September 1989. Following a 6 month forecaster training course I had postings at Glasgow Weather Centre, National Met Centre (Bracknell) and Leeds Weather Centre before moving to the BBC Weather Centre. When did you become a weather forecaster? 1994 at Leeds Weather Centre. I was a stand-in presenter (covering for the boss when he was on leave) on BBC 'Look North'. I didn't have an audition or any training, the previous presenter left suddenly to work abroad and there was no other person left suitable for the job. Thrown in at the deep end! Why did you want to be a weather forecaster? I wanted to be a doctor but didn't have the grades. An interest in weather led me to write to Ian McCaskill about qualifications for a job at the Met Office. I wasn't expecting to end up on TV. Do you get nervous before a broadcast? Sometimes, mostly doing the prime time BBC1 broadcasts when I first started. Have you ever made any mistakes? Sure, nothing serious. You tend to be a perfectionist in this job, sometimes you could say or show something better but people at home would tend not to notice. Is your job hard? Yes. The weather is always changing so keeping up with developments, changing graphics and telling the right story, and keeping to time, is demanding. Do you enjoy your job? Yes. Usually. Could anyone do your job? I hope not. It's not just about presenting the weather. You have to present with authority, and to do that takes experience and training.