Julia Somerville facts for kids

Julia Mary Fownes Somerville (born 14 July 1947) is a well-known English television news reader and reporter. She has worked for major news channels like the BBC and Independent Television News (ITN). Julia started her career in journalism at a magazine company before joining the BBC in 1972. She became a reporter and later a special correspondent for BBC Radio 4. From 1984 to 1987, she was a co-presenter for the BBC Nine O'Clock News.

In 1987, Julia moved to ITN, where she presented the lunchtime news. She then became a co-presenter for ITV News at Ten in 1989, one of the UK's main evening news programmes. After leaving ITN in 2001, she rejoined the BBC in 2010. Today, she is a popular co-presenter on the show Rip Off Britain, which helps people avoid scams and bad deals.

Early Life and School

Julia Somerville was born in Wells, Somerset, England. Her grandfather was a famous naval officer named Sir James Somerville. Julia went to Airthrie Preparatory School and Headington School before studying English Literature at the University of Sussex. She graduated in 1969.

Journalism Career

After finishing university, Julia began her journalism career at a magazine publisher called IPC. She worked on different magazines, learning about reporting and editing. From 1970 to 1972, she was the editor of a company magazine called ITT Creed.

Starting at the BBC

Julia joined the BBC in 1972, first working behind the scenes in the radio newsroom. She became a reporter in 1978. By 1981, she was the Labour Affairs correspondent for BBC Radio 4, reporting on important news about workers and unions.

In 1984, Julia moved to BBC Television News. She started co-presenting the BBC Nine O'Clock News, a major evening news programme. She trained hard to become a newsreader, taking over from another well-known presenter, Sue Lawley. From 1985, she often presented the show with John Humphrys or Andrew Harvey. Her last time presenting the Nine O'Clock News was in August 1987.

Moving to ITN

In late 1987, Julia joined Independent Television News. She became the main presenter for the ITN News at 12:30. This gave her the chance to report on breaking news and do live interviews. She also presented a special programme about the British royal family in December 1987.

In 1989, Julia became one of the co-presenters for News at Ten, working alongside famous newsreaders like Alastair Burnet and Sandy Gall. She also supported the Pre-School Playgroups Association, helping mothers with young children.

In 1992, Julia decided to take a step back from the intense spotlight of prime-time news. She started reading the Sunday evening news and co-presented a short segment on News at Ten called Focus on Britain.

Later Career and Return to BBC

In August 1992, Julia was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumour. She had surgery and recovered well, returning to work three months later. She continued to present the Lunchtime News and also hosted 3D, a weekly current affairs show for Yorkshire Television from 1993 to 1998. She reported on important events, like the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.

Between 1999 and 2001, Julia hosted a radio show called London Life on LBC. She left ITN in October 2001.

Julia has a strong interest in painting. In 2001, she was a judge for the BP Portrait of the Year at the National Portrait Gallery. She has also helped judge architecture awards. In 2003, she was chosen to lead the Advisory Committee of the Government Art Collection for four years.

In 2005, Julia returned to ITN for one week as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. In 2010, she came back to television news on BBC News. The same year, she narrated an experimental film called Facade.

Julia joined Rip Off Britain in 2011 for its third series. She presents the show with Angela Rippon and Gloria Hunniford, helping viewers with consumer issues. They also presented a show called Charlie's Consumer Angels. In 2017, Julia was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef on BBC One.

Personal Life

Julia Somerville has been married twice. She is currently the partner of architect Jeremy Dixon. She has two children. In 2013, she was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to art.

After her brain tumour diagnosis in 1992 and successful surgery, Julia became a patron for the Different Strokes charity, which helps people who have had strokes.