Maggie Philbin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maggie Philbin
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Philbin in 2009
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Margaret Elizabeth Philbin
23 June 1955 Manchester, England
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| Alma mater | University of Manchester |
| Occupation | Television and radio presenter |
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| Children | 1 |
Margaret Elizabeth Philbin OBE (born June 23, 1955) is a famous English TV and radio presenter. She is known for presenting popular science shows like Tomorrow's World and Bang Goes the Theory. She also co-hosted Multi-Coloured Swap Shop, a well-loved children's show. Maggie has been honored with an OBE for her work.
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Early Life and Science Dreams
Maggie Philbin grew up in Leicester, England. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a veterinary surgeon. This dream sparked her early interest in science. She attended a girls' Roman Catholic grammar school in Evington.
In high school, she studied subjects like English, History, French, and German. She also shared that she was good at Maths and Physics.
Maggie's TV and Radio Career
After studying English and Drama at the University of Manchester, Maggie saw an advertisement. This led her to become a co-presenter on Multi-Coloured Swap Shop. This was a very popular children's TV show.
While on Swap Shop, she joined a band called Brown Sauce. They had a hit song called "I Wanna Be A Winner" in 1981. It reached number 15 on the music charts.
Exploring Science and Technology
Maggie then moved to Tomorrow's World on BBC 1. This was a leading science and technology program. She stayed there for eight years, exploring new inventions. She even flew upside down in a special plane for the show! She also drove a powerful Top Fuel dragster car.
She has presented many other shows too. These include Hospital Watch and QED. She also worked as a reporter for This Morning. Maggie has presented science programs like Wideworld for Five.
Promoting Digital Skills
In 2008, Maggie created TeenTech. This is an event that helps teenagers learn about science and engineering. It's a fun, interactive way to get young people interested in these fields. HRH Duke of York KG became a supporter of TeenTech in 2012.
Maggie became the face of technology for BBC News in 2007. She reports on tech for TV, radio, and online. She also helps with campaigns like the Helping Hand Campaign. This helps older people with digital TV. She writes about technology for BBC WebWise and The Guardian.
In 2012, she joined the BBC TV show Bang Goes the Theory. She became a full-time presenter in 2013. The show explored different science topics. In 2018, she co-presented a special Tomorrow's World Live show.
Maggie's Personal Life
Maggie Philbin married her Swap Shop co-presenter, Keith Chegwin, in 1982. They later divorced in 1993. They have one daughter together. Her daughter is named Rose.
Honors and Community Work
Maggie is a patron for several important organizations. She supports the National Osteoporosis Society. She also helps the Daphne Jackson Trust. This trust helps scientists and engineers return to work after a break.
Awards and Recognition
Maggie has received many awards for her work. In 2012, she earned an Honorary Doctor of Technology degree. This was from De Montfort University. It recognized her contributions to science and technology.
Princess Anne gave her an award in 2012. This was for Communication and Outreach. In 2013, she received the Promotion of Design Award. She was also elected president of the Institution of Engineering Designers.
Computer Weekly has often named her as one of the most influential women in UK IT. In 2016, she was voted Digital Leader of the Year. She was also named Computer Weekly's most influential woman in UK IT.
In 2017, Maggie was appointed an OBE. This honor was for her work promoting careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths). She has also received several other honorary degrees from universities.
Images for kids
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Maggie Philbin with Tony Blackburn at a Radio 1 Roadshow in the early 1980s.
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Maggie Philbin speaking at the Thinking Digital conference in 2013.
