David Whiteley – The Story of ITV Anglia’s Dynamic Broadcaster and Award-Winning Filmmaker
Who is David Whiteley?
David Whiteley is a celebrated British television and radio presenter best known as the co-host of ITV News Anglia alongside Becky Jago. With a broadcasting career spanning over twenty-six years, he has built a reputation as a skilled journalist, filmmaker, and storyteller. Before joining ITV in 2021, David spent twenty-three years at the BBC, presenting Inside Out East and producing high-profile documentaries for BBC FOUR, BBC World, and BBC Arts.
Early Life and Education
Born on 4 May 1977 in Essex, United Kingdom, David’s birthday famously coincides with Star Wars Day—a fitting detail for a lifelong fan of the saga. Growing up in the late 1970s and 1980s, his passion for storytelling and film shaped his early ambitions. His natural curiosity and love of communication led him into journalism soon after leaving school, beginning in local radio before moving into television.
David Whiteley’s Age and Personal Life
As of 2025, David Whiteley is 48 years old. He lives in the East of England with his wife, Amelia Reynolds, a BBC Look East presenter. The couple married in 2008 and share two children. Away from the studio, David is a keen runner and North Sea surfer, often taking to the water even during the freezing British winter months.
Career at the BBC
David joined the BBC in 1998, beginning as a journalist for BBC Essex and later becoming a reporter for BBC Look East. His big break came in 2003 when he became presenter and series director of the regional current-affairs programme Inside Out East.
Over the next seventeen years, David wrote, produced, and presented hundreds of investigative and human-interest stories. He also contributed to The One Show (BBC One) and The Victoria Derbyshire Programme (BBC Two). His reputation for sincerity and clarity made him one of the most recognisable faces in regional broadcasting.
Transition to ITV News
In June 2021, David Whiteley joined ITV News Anglia as the main evening presenter for the East of England, co-anchoring the 6 p.m. bulletin with Becky Jago. His transition from the BBC to ITV reflected his broad experience and his ability to connect with viewers through balanced, engaging reporting.
Documentaries and Filmmaking
The Galaxy Britain Built
David’s fascination with Star Wars led to one of his proudest achievements—creating and presenting the BBC FOUR documentary The Galaxy Britain Built: Droids, Darth Vader and Lightsabers in 2017. The film told the story of the unsung British artists, technicians, and designers who brought George Lucas’s galaxy to life.
A feature-length version followed in 2019, earning Royal Television Society Awards for Programme of the Year and Best Post-Production.
Toy Empire – The British Force Behind Star Wars Toys
In 2019, he produced Toy Empire, a half-hour documentary exploring Palitoy, the Leicestershire company that manufactured the original Star Wars toys in the UK. The film received widespread critical acclaim and cemented David’s place as a respected documentary filmmaker.
Author and Producer
David also wrote the accompanying book, The Galaxy Britain Built – The British Talent Behind Star Wars, published by BearManor Media. He continues to direct and produce under his own companies—Galaxy Productions and Media Ltd. and David Whiteley Media Ltd.
Galaxy Productions and Media Ltd.
Founded in 2020, Galaxy Productions specialises in crafting inspiring documentaries, promotional films, and corporate media content. The company offers a full production pipeline—from concept and scripting to filming, editing, grading, and sound design. Whiteley’s creative approach celebrates positive storytelling, combining journalistic integrity with cinematic flair.
David Whiteley Media Ltd.
Through David Whiteley Media Ltd., he provides media consultancy and training for leading UK and international brands, including Marks & Spencer, Mini Cooper, Anglian Water, Gardline Marine Surveys, CEFAS, and Bernard Matthews. His workshops cover presentation skills, storytelling, and film production for corporate teams.
Hosting and Public Speaking
A confident and engaging communicator, David regularly hosts major industry awards ceremonies across the UK. His clients include LABC, Norse, The Kingsley Group, and Archant Media. Known for his humour and professionalism, he is praised for energising large audiences while keeping events seamless and enjoyable.
Is David Whiteley Related to Richard Whiteley?
Many viewers ask whether David Whiteley is related to the late Richard Whiteley, the beloved Countdown host. Despite sharing a surname and broadcasting background, there is no family connection between them. Richard Whiteley hailed from Yorkshire and passed away in 2005, while David Whiteley was born in Essex and continues his career with ITV.
David Whiteley and Kat Farmer Rumour
Another recurring search concerns “David Whiteley Kat Farmer husband.” This is a case of mistaken identity. Kat Farmer—the style influencer behind Does My Bum Look 40?—has no professional or personal link to ITV’s David Whiteley. Online confusion likely stems from another David Whiteley, an Australian actor married to actress Kat Stewart. The British broadcaster’s only confirmed spouse is Amelia Reynolds.
Awards and Recognition
David’s career has been recognised with Royal Television Society honours, critical acclaim from the BBC Arts community, and praise from audiences across the UK. His ability to merge factual accuracy with creative storytelling continues to inspire journalists and filmmakers alike.
Personal Passions and Lifestyle
When he’s not in the newsroom, David devotes time to outdoor pursuits. He is an avid runner and one of the few North Sea surfers who braves the waves even in mid-winter. His enthusiasm for nature and fitness reflects the same discipline that defines his broadcasting work.
Legacy and Influence
From his early days in local radio to presenting one of ITV’s flagship regional news programmes, David Whiteley embodies the evolution of modern British broadcasting. His mix of warmth, professionalism, and storytelling expertise has earned him loyal viewers and a respected name within UK media.
Summary
David Whiteley’s journey from BBC journalist to ITV News Anglia anchor and award-winning filmmaker showcases his dedication to truthful and inspiring storytelling. Whether he’s reporting the latest regional news, directing documentaries, or training new voices in the industry, his influence continues to shape British media.
FAQs
Q1. How old is David Whiteley?
David Whiteley is 48 years old, born on 4 May 1977 in Essex, United Kingdom.
Q2. Who is David Whiteley’s wife?
David Whiteley is married to Amelia Reynolds, a fellow BBC presenter. The couple married in 2008 and have two children.
Q3. Is David Whiteley related to Richard Whiteley?
No, David Whiteley is not related to the late Countdown host Richard Whiteley. They simply share the same surname.
Q4. Is David Whiteley married to Kat Farmer?
No, that is incorrect. Kat Farmer is not married to David Whiteley — this confusion comes from another individual with a similar name.
Q5. Where does David Whiteley work now?
David Whiteley currently co-presents ITV News Anglia alongside Becky Jago, broadcasting weekday evenings at 6 p.m.
