January 4, 2010
BBC newsreader comes out
BBC newsreader Jane Hill has announced she is gay.
Hill, 40, who regularly co-presents the 11-2pm slot on BBC News 24 and read the BBC’s lunchtime bulletin on Christmas Day, formerly outed herself in Ariel, the corporation’s in-house magazine.
Although she has never deliberately concealed her sexual orientation, it is the first time Hill has talked openly about life with partner Sara, a TV camera operator, and the home they share with their dog in North London.
Hill first joined local BBC Radio as a junior music correspondent before studying for a Politics degree at Queen Mary University, London. She then worked for the Democratic National Headquarters in Washington DC before returning to the BBC to work in the News division in 1991.
Also a relief anchor for the BBC News at One, Hill has worked on many high profile stories during her broadcast career. She conducted the first BBC interview with Kate and Jerry McCann following the disappearance of their daughter Madeleine, and broadcast for eight continuous hours on the day Saddam Hussein was captured by US forces.
Hill, who has been with her current partner for around a year, previously dated BBC Sports presenter and Strictly Come Dancing Winner Chris Hollins.
Video
April 22, 2012
Awesome! The more high profile figures that do this the more people will realise that it’s not a big deal and get used to the idea. Go Jane Hill!
Good for her. It’s so common for men to be gay in the media/entertainment industry that it’s high time more women felt comfortable coming out in the public eye. And I agree, it helps people get over any prejudices or stereotypes they may hold.
I wonder how Chris Hollins coped when his partner came out? Is she gay or bi? Just questions to raise the thinking – does it matter? or does it just feed our fascination with the private lives of other people?
Fantastic someone in the public eye and in a prominant position it’s good for all lesbians thanks for coming out.
Yes… this is great news!
This is cool. Isn’t it sad though that she had to come out because everyone assumed she was straight?!!!! maybe 2010 will see tons of media types coming out, that would be cool.
go jane! go jane! whoo hoo!
Another one raising the bar! Come on all high profile figures, let those struggling with homophobic friends, familes and colleagues, see that anyone can be gay and it’s not a shameful secret!
whoop whoop!! go jane.
MMMMM. Would love to see her in action!!
even if i was a girl i would love to be with her she is super sexy