Sarah Kennedy facts for kids

Sarah Mary Kennedy, born on July 8, 1950, is a well-known British TV and radio presenter who is now retired. She was famous for hosting her early morning radio show, The Dawn Patrol, on BBC Radio 2. This popular show ran from 1993 until 2010.

In 2005, Sarah Kennedy was honored by the Queen. She received the title of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was given to her for her great work in broadcasting.

Sarah Kennedy's Early Life

Sarah Kennedy was born in Sussex, a county in England. She went to a school called Copthorne Prep School, which is located in the western part of Sussex.

Her Exciting Media Career

Sarah Kennedy started her career in 1973. She worked for the British Forces Broadcasting Service in Singapore. Later, in 1976, she joined BBC Radio 2. At first, she read the news and announced programs.

Working at BBC Radio 2

Sarah was on duty when BBC Radio 2 stopped closing down at night. This happened in January 1979, when the station began broadcasting 24 hours a day. She continued to host music shows, like filling in for Family Favourites. She also worked on String Sound, which featured the BBC Radio Orchestra. Sarah was also the president of Radio Horton, a hospital radio station in Horton Hospital, Oxfordshire.

Becoming a TV Star

Sarah's first job on TV was reading the news. She worked on a show called Day by Day for Southern Television. She became very well-known as one of the hosts of Game for a Laugh. This fun entertainment show was on ITV from 1981 to 1984.

She also worked on a BBC news program called 60 Minutes. This show ran from 1983 to 1984. Sarah was also the main host of the ITV game show Busman's Holiday for several years in the 1980s. She co-hosted animal shows too, like The Animals Roadshow and Animal Country, with zoologist Desmond Morris.

The Dawn Patrol Show

Sarah Kennedy returned to Radio 2 to host her famous early morning show, The Dawn Patrol. It started on January 4, 1993, and ended on August 13, 2010. The show first aired from 5 AM to 7 AM. In 1994, it moved to 6 AM to 7:30 AM.

In 1995, Sarah won a special award called the Sony Gold Radio Award. About 4.5 million people listened to her show regularly. In 2010, the radio schedule changed. Sarah's show moved back to its original 5 AM to 7 AM slot. This change happened because Terry Wogan retired, and Chris Evans took over his breakfast show.

Sarah announced on September 3, 2010, that she was leaving her show. She had been away for a few weeks and decided to retire from broadcasting. Other presenters like Lynn Parsons and Aled Jones hosted the show after her. Later, on January 17, 2011, Vanessa Feltz took over the show's time slot.

Sarah Kennedy is believed to be the first person to use the phrase 'white van man' in 1997. She also had a funny character she sometimes used called "Bunty Bagshaw."

Sarah's Books

Beyond broadcasting, Sarah Kennedy also wrote a novel called Charlotte's Friends. She also published two books with funny stories from her listeners. These books were titled Terrible Twos and Terrible Pets.

Sarah Kennedy's Personal Life

Sarah Kennedy has a partner named Adrian McGlynn.