Bev Turner: The Voice of Straight Talking on British Television and Radio
Bev Turner is a name that has become synonymous with candid debate, fearless broadcasting, and a willingness to challenge conventional narratives. A highly recognisable face and voice across British media, she has carved out an impressive career in television, radio, and writing. From presenting Formula 1 coverage to hosting her own programmes on GB News, Turner has shown remarkable versatility and resilience. Today, she is one of the key anchors for The Late Show Live from Washington D.C., where she brings US political and social stories to British audiences.
This article provides an in-depth look into Bev Turner’s background, education, career milestones, family life, authorship, and her reputation as one of the most outspoken figures in British broadcasting.
Early Life and Education
Prestwich Beginnings
Born on 21 October 1973 in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, Beverley Turner grew up in the North of England with a strong connection to sport and performance. Her brother, Adrian Turner, went on to become an Olympic swimmer, while she pursued an academic path that combined creativity with intellectual rigour.
University of Manchester
Bev Turner attended the University of Manchester, where she earned a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature and Language. This academic foundation gave her both the confidence and the skill set to pursue a career in broadcasting and writing. Her time at university also reflected her competitive nature, as she had previously competed in swimming at a national level.
Career in Broadcasting
Early Career with ITV and Sports Coverage
Bev Turner began her broadcasting career in the late 1990s, quickly making a mark as one of the few women in a male-dominated environment. She joined ITV, where she presented coverage of the NBA, Formula 1, and shows such as This Morning and Videotech.
Her time in Formula 1 was particularly significant. Turner later authored The Pits: The Real World of Formula 1, in which she exposed some of the challenges and sexism she faced in the sport’s media landscape.
BBC and Radio 5 Live
Turner expanded her career into radio, notably presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live. One of her most unique contributions was the creation of The Bump Club, a series that followed a group of women through pregnancy and into early motherhood. The series combined her broadcasting talent with her deep interest in women’s health and childbirth.
LBC and National Radio
In 2015, Bev Turner joined LBC Radio as a presenter. Known for her no-nonsense style, she tackled politics, health, and family issues with frankness. However, her outspoken commentary—particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic—often placed her at the centre of national debate.
GB News and Prime-Time Shows
In 2022, Turner became a permanent presenter on GB News, one of the UK’s newest and most talked-about broadcasters. She initially hosted Bev Turner Today, a mid-morning current affairs and debate programme that aired Monday to Thursday. The show allowed her to interview high-profile guests, challenge politicians, and offer alternative perspectives on issues from lockdowns to education.
In recent years, she has moved into one of the network’s headline slots, hosting The Late Show Live from Washington D.C. The programme covers American politics and society, tailored for British viewers. This role underscores her international presence and her ability to connect British audiences with global events.
Authorship and Written Work
The Pits: The Real World of Formula 1
Bev Turner’s first book drew upon her experiences as one of the only female presenters in Formula 1. The Pits provided a candid and at times controversial view of what happens behind the glamour of the paddock.
Touching Distance
Her second book, Touching Distance, co-authored with her then husband James Cracknell, detailed his recovery from a life-threatening brain injury after a cycling accident in America. The book became a critical resource for families and individuals coping with traumatic brain injuries.
The Happy Birth Book
As a strong advocate for women’s health and childbirth rights, Turner wrote The Happy Birth Book, a practical A-Z guide aimed at empowering couples as they prepare for childbirth. This work further cemented her reputation as a broadcaster with genuine interests in family wellbeing and maternal health.
Style and Reputation
Outspoken Commentary
Bev Turner is known for her willingness to question authority and speak candidly on sensitive issues. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she drew national attention for challenging mainstream narratives on lockdowns and vaccination policies. This earned her both praise and criticism but solidified her as a fearless broadcaster.
Notable Public Moments
One of her most memorable moments came during Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK, when Turner asked UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about freedom of speech in Britain. This question resonated widely at a time when debates about media censorship and free expression were at the forefront.
Family and Personal Life
Marriage to James Cracknell
Bev Turner married Olympic rower James Cracknell in 2002. The couple had three children together. Their marriage came under enormous strain after Cracknell’s cycling accident in 2010, which left him with a severe brain injury. Despite her dedication and support through his recovery, the pair divorced in 2019.
Children and Family Life
Turner is the mother of three children: one son and two daughters. Balancing her demanding media career with motherhood has often been part of her public persona, as she regularly discusses the challenges of modern family life.
Sibling Connection
Her brother, Adrian Turner, competed as a professional swimmer for Great Britain, highlighting the athletic and driven background of the Turner family.
Advocacy and Charitable Work
Beyond broadcasting, Bev Turner has been involved in advocacy. She has served as a patron for the Family Planning Association (FPA), supporting education on sexual health and safe family planning practices. She has also been an outspoken supporter of women’s rights in childbirth, pushing for greater autonomy and better maternity care.
Physical Presence and Public Persona
Standing at 1.78 metres tall, Turner is noted for her commanding presence both on television and in public speaking engagements. Her height, confidence, and eloquence contribute to her success as a conference host, awards presenter, and media personality.
Bev Turner on Social Media
With a growing online following, Turner uses platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) to engage with audiences. She has more than 230,000 followers, where she promotes her shows, shares commentary, and interacts directly with the public. Her social media presence further extends her influence beyond traditional television and radio.
Conclusion
Bev Turner’s career reflects persistence, adaptability, and a refusal to be silenced. From her beginnings in sports broadcasting with ITV, to her radio success with BBC and LBC, and her current role as one of GB News’ most recognisable presenters, Turner’s journey is one of resilience and boldness.
Her books, advocacy for women’s health, and outspoken views have made her a complex yet respected figure in British media. Whether discussing childbirth, politics, or freedom of speech, Bev Turner continues to challenge the status quo and spark national conversations.
At 51, she remains at the forefront of British broadcasting, balancing her career with motherhood and using her platform to explore the issues that matter most to her and her audience. For many, Bev Turner is not only a presenter but also a voice of independence and authenticity in an industry often accused of conforming to the mainstream.
