What’s your role at MultiStory?
Production Executive – setting up and overseeing all the shows made out of the London office
What made you want to get into TV and how did you make that a reality? I went to stage school when I was a youngster and took part in Musicals, other stage productions, fashion shows and also did some TV work. I remember being a regular ‘extra’ for YTV shows like Emmerdale, A Touch of Frost, At Home with the Braithwaites – I really loved how TV worked, I loved seeing everyone’s roles behind the camera, I loved the friendly welcome every time I walked into the YTV building – I knew I wanted to work for ITV one day.
I qualified to be a dance teacher but decided to go down the TV path and went to University to study TV Production. After finishing Uni, I didn’t have much luck with getting TV work and had been rejected by ITV for a Prod Sec role at Granada. Some friends were auditioning to be a dancer / character at Disneyland Paris so I tagged along for the fun as I had a day off and had nothing else to do. I was successful and got offered a role as a dancer/princess at Disneyland Paris! A couple of days later I got a call back from ITV – there was a role they thought I’d be perfect for – a Department Secretary. Now I had to make the decision of what to do. That was the start of my ITV career in May 2007.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are?
After 3 years at ITV in Manchester I’d worked my way up to Production Coordinator on Tonight and the First Election Debate amongst other shows. I wanted to progress to be a Production Manager but the opportunities in Manchester were limited. London had an opening for a JPM pool so I applied. I was super scared going down to London for the interview and never in a million years thought I’d get the job but I did! I didn’t know what to do, it was such a big move to make by myself when my family lived in Yorkshire – I had only 6 months previously bought my first house! I had to quickly sort out tenants for my house and find somewhere to stay in London. I had to get studio experience before I was able to step up to JPM so I was given the chance to be Studio Coordinator on This Morning. It was initially for 3 months, then it was extended to 6 months and over 10 years later I’m still at ITV.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There’s been quite a few! Working in Daytime on Loose Women and This Morning, meant I got the privilege of meeting some amazing people. I met Enrique Iglesias in my first week! *swoon* Setting up a Live Link with Tim Peake in space, organising live weddings, giant water slide items and many more crazy things. The First Election Debate was also a big highlight – it was the very first time a live election debate between the 3 major parties had been televised. Another highlight was working with Sir David Jason on a documentary about the Great Escape – meeting the incredible people who survived, taking them back to Stalag Luft III and hearing their stories first hand was truly inspiring.
What was your biggest “pinch me’ moment?
For the glitz and glamour probably my first time at the NTAs – I didn’t really know what to expect but it was packed with celebs and it really felt like I worked in TV.
What are your favourite TV shows?
True story dramas and crime docs.