Diane-Louise Jordan

Diane-Louise Jordan

Jordan in London in 2009.
Born (1960-06-28) 28 June 1960
Hackney, London, England, UK
Nationality British
Occupation Television presenter Radio presenter
Years active 1989 -
Known for Blue Peter, Songs of Praise

Diane Johnson (born 28 June 1960), better known by her stage name Diane Louise Jordan,[1] is a British television presenter. She was the first black presenter of the children's television programme Blue Peter, being involved in the programme from 25 January 1990 until 26 February 1996, making her its fourth longest-serving female presenter (after Konnie Huq, Valerie Singleton and Lesley Judd).

Life and career

Born in 1960, Jordan grew up in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.[2] She studied theatre arts at Rose Bruford College, and worked as a stage actress after graduating.[3] She appeared on children's series Corners when she was spotted by Blue Peter editor Lewis Bronze.[3] She became the programme's first black presenter[4] and turned down a role in soap opera Coronation Street for the job.[2] She did in fact play the part of Kate Winterton in Coronation Street in September 1989.

Jordan is a Christian,[5] and can currently be seen presenting BBC One's religious programme, Songs of Praise. She also is vice-president of Action for Children, sits on the Council of the Prince's Trust and is a trustee for BBC Children in Need.[6] In 1997 she sat on the Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Committee.[7] She is a celebrity supporter of the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT)

She married violinist Giles Broadbent in July 2007 in the chapel of Rugby School, Warwickshire.[5] She has a daughter, Justine, previously her niece, but whom she adopted when her sister died unexpectedly.[8] In 2008 she became a confidence coach to former Death Row convict Kenny Richey, helping him to adjust to life after being released.[9] Until 2012, Jordan presented Sunday Half Hour on BBC Radio 2, however, this became Sunday Hour from February 2013, now broadcast at 6am.

Controversies

In October 2014, Diane-Louise Jordan was given a police warning after a bust-up with her son-in-law's girlfriend.[10]

The following year, October 2015, Diane Louise Jordan was given a 12 month police harassment warning after a sports day row.[11]

References

  1. ↑ "Blue Peter: Diane-Louise Jordan", BBC, Classic TV.
  2. 1 2 Renshaw, Rosalind (15 April 2008). "Working relationship: Diane-Louise Jordan, the television presenter, and her right-hand man, Robin Major". The Times (London). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  3. 1 2 Davies, Caitlin (27 March 2008). "My Way: Diane Louise Jordan gives her tips for success in the workplace". The Independent (London). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  4. ↑ "Fifty facts about Blue Peter at 50". BBC News Online. 15 October 2008. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  5. 1 2 Kay, Richard (18 July 2007). "Queen to quit Balmoral for Diana tribute". Daily Mail (London). Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  6. ↑ "The Prince's Trust Council". The Prince's Trust. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  7. ↑ "Membership of Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Committee". HM Treasury. 3 December 1997. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  8. ↑ Kenric Hickson, "My first home: Diane Louise Jordan", The Telegraph, 17 April 2002.
  9. ↑ Lowe, David (29 January 2008). "Diane Louise' death row pal". The Sun. Retrieved 7 February 2010.
  10. ↑ "Ex-Blue Peter girl Diane-Louise Jordan given police warning after bust-up with son-in-law's girlfriend". The Daily Mail. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  11. ↑ "BBC star Diane Louise Jordan gets police harassment warning after sports day row". The Mirror. Retrieved 6 November 2015.

External links

Preceded by
Caron Keating		 Blue Peter Presenter No. 19
1990–1996 		Succeeded by
Romana D'Annunzio


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