Julia Somerville facts for kids

Julia Mary Fownes Somerville OBE (born 14 July 1947) is a well-known English journalist. She is famous for co-presenting the BBC One television show Rip Off Britain, which helps people with consumer issues.

Julia started her career working for a magazine company called IPC. She then moved into broadcasting, first in radio and later on television. For many years, she was a familiar face as a newsreader and reporter for both the BBC and Independent Television News. She joined the BBC in 1972 and later became a main news presenter.

In 1987, she moved to ITN, where she presented the lunchtime news and later became a co-presenter for News at Ten. After leaving ITN in 2001, Julia returned to the BBC in 2010 to co-present Rip Off Britain.

Early Life and Education

Julia Somerville was born in Wells, Somerset, England. Her grandfather was a famous naval officer named Sir James Fownes Somerville. Her father, John Arthur Fownes Somerville, was also a naval officer who later worked for GCHQ, a government intelligence agency.

Julia went to Airthrie Preparatory School and Headington School. She then studied English literature at the University of Sussex, graduating in 1969.

Career Highlights

Starting in Journalism

After finishing university, Julia began her journalism career at a magazine publisher called IPC. She worked on popular magazines like Homes & Gardens and Woman's Own. From 1970 to 1972, she was the editor of an in-house magazine for a computer company called ITT Creed.

Moving to BBC News

In 1972, Julia joined the BBC, working first as a sub-editor in the radio newsroom. She became a reporter in 1978. By 1981, she was the Labour Affairs correspondent for BBC Radio 4, reporting on topics related to work and unions.

Julia moved to BBC Television News in 1984. She briefly worked on the show Nationwide. She then became a co-presenter for the BBC Nine O'Clock News. She trained hard to become a newsreader and started her role in July 1984. When the Nine O'Clock News changed to have two presenters in 1985, Julia often presented with John Humphrys or Andrew Harvey. She left the Nine O'Clock News in August 1987.

Working at ITN

In late 1987, Julia moved to Independent Television News. She became the main presenter for the relaunched ITN News at 12:30. She enjoyed the chance to deliver breaking news and live interviews.

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

In 1992, Julia faced a health challenge when she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour. After a successful operation, she recovered well and returned 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 narrated a six-part documentary series called Special Babies in 1994. Julia also reported from Hyde Park during the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in September 1997. She also helped launch the ITN News Channel.

After ITN and Return to BBC

Between 1999 and 2001, Julia presented a daily 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 judged the Royal Institute of British Architects Annual Architecture Award Panels for several years. In 2003, she was appointed Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Government Art Collection.

In September 2005, Julia returned to the screen for one week as part of ITN's 50th anniversary celebrations. In 2010, she returned to television news as a presenter on BBC News.

Later in 2010, Julia became the narrator for an experimental film called Facade. In autumn 2011, she joined Rip Off Britain for its third series. She hosts the show with Angela Rippon and Gloria Hunniford. They also presented a show called Charlie's Consumer Angels. In August 2017, Julia was a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef on BBC One.

Personal Life

Julia Somerville has been married twice. She was married to Stephen Band from 1970 to 1975, and to BBC Radio journalist Ray Gowdridge from 1984 to 1992. She is currently the partner of architect Jeremy Dixon. Julia has two children with Ray Gowdridge.

In 2013, Julia was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to art. After her brain tumour diagnosis in 1992, she became a patron of the Different Strokes charity, which helps people affected by strokes.