HOW TO BE A PRESENTER (according to someone who accidentally became one)

So, here’s the thing: if presenting is something you really want to do, buckle up. Breaking into this corner of showbusiness can be a bit like trying to squeeze into skinny jeans after a festive season - possible, but not that easy.

In my case, I was already working in TV and never actually planned on becoming a presenter. But when this random, out-of-the-blue opportunity came up I thought, Why not? and jumped in headfirst.

To my surprise, I was… fairly OK at it. Or at least that’s what I choose to believe until the audience delivers its verdict. At this stage of life, I’m far too old - and frankly too tired - to pretend to be anyone but myself. Nevertheless, it takes time to learn how to do this job and how to do it well, even when I've previously directed other presenters.

It also massively helps when the subject-matter is something you’re genuinely into. Reading lines is one thing, talking about something you know a fair bit about gives a whole different energy. I love history and have done a lot of history series before as producer/director, so I was in my element.

Then came the fun awakening: apparently, my pronunciation and speech clarity need a LOT more love. Hearing yourself back on camera is humbling in a way no self-help book can prepare you for. So now I’m actively working on it, because whether it’s future shows, public speaking, or just trying to sound like I have my life together, it’s a skill worth polishing.

Body language was another revelation. My hands apparently have a life of their own. So now I try to keep them under control unless I’m in Italy, where wild gesturing is a love language. Doesn't work on British/ American telly though.

And then…clothing. Oh, the plot twist. Turns out some outfits that look cute in real life look tragic on camera. Also, cheap fabrics look cheap - no shocker, but still painful to witness. My new rule? Always take a photo or quick video of your outfit before committing. Clothing can be photogenic or painfully not.

One of the biggest gifts, though? Learning from people who’ve been presenting way longer than me. Taking constructive feedback is an underrated skill. I learnt so much from Guy Walters and how he does things.

But here’s the part I loved most: doing the show actually helped me accept myself -my face, my current body, the whole package, even though I wasn’t at my fittest while filming. There’s something freeing about seeing yourself on screen, surviving it and thinking: Hey, that's me!

And finally: this whole adventure has made me a better director. Stepping into a presenter’s shoes gave me instant empathy and a fresh perspective. Now when I direct presenters, I actually get what they’re going through. So really, the experience wasn’t just fun, it was an upgrade of my overall TV skills.

Bottom line, would I do it again? Absolutely!

And lil bonus, our group wrap photo. Thank you team :)