Layla Nicholson: A Rising Voice in British Journalism
In the world of modern journalism, few names have been making as much impact as Layla Nicholson. Known for her sharp insights, versatile writing, and dedication to storytelling, she has become a respected voice in the British media landscape. Currently serving as a Senior Features Writer at the Daily Star under Reach plc, Layla’s journey is a story of hard work, resilience, and passion for communication. From her educational roots at the University of the Arts London to her early roles in marketing and mental health, she has built a career that reflects not only skill but also depth of character.
This article explores her professional journey, her contributions to journalism, and the different experiences that shaped her career.
Early Education and Academic Excellence
University of the Arts London
Layla Nicholson’s academic journey began at the University of the Arts London, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Graduating with First Class Honours, her achievements during this period laid the foundation for her career in media.
The degree not only equipped her with core skills in writing, reporting, and multimedia journalism but also exposed her to the realities of a fast-changing industry. At UAL, she honed her ability to analyse information critically, write with clarity, and adapt to both traditional and digital media formats.
The First Steps into Journalism
Internship at Reach plc
Before fully entering the professional world, Layla completed a lifestyle reporter internship at Reach plc in January 2020. This short yet crucial experience gave her the opportunity to understand the workings of a large media organisation.
During her time as an intern, she worked on lifestyle content, explored audience engagement, and sharpened her ability to create relatable stories. This stepping stone became the catalyst for her long-term association with Reach plc, where she continues to thrive today.
Building Experience Beyond Journalism
Turning Point: A Role in Mental Health Support
In February 2020, Layla Nicholson broadened her professional scope by working as a Mental Health Support Worker at Turning Point. For over a year, she dedicated herself to supporting individuals facing complex challenges.
This role required compassion, resilience, and excellent communication skills. It also provided her with a unique perspective on human experiences — a perspective that now influences her writing. By engaging with real-life stories of struggle and recovery, Layla developed a deeper empathy that adds authenticity to her journalism.
Academy Music Group: Street Team Experience
Alongside her academic and early career commitments, Layla spent nearly three years as part of the Street Team at Academy Music Group. This role was rooted in event promotion, marketing, and audience engagement.
The position demanded creativity, adaptability, and time management — qualities that continue to serve her in the fast-paced media world. Engaging directly with audiences gave her insight into how people respond to messaging, a skill now reflected in her features writing.
UPL Marketing: Freelance Marketer
In 2020, Layla also worked as a freelance marketer with UPL Marketing. For eleven months, she helped businesses with outreach, branding, and promotion. This period enhanced her ability to craft persuasive narratives and understand market behaviour — expertise that strengthens her journalistic edge.
Stepping Fully into Journalism
Audience Writer at Daily Star
In August 2021, Layla Nicholson secured her first major role at the Daily Star, part of Reach plc. As an Audience Writer, she focused on producing engaging online content that attracted and retained readers.
This position involved writing across diverse topics, monitoring audience behaviour, and ensuring stories resonated with the digital readership. It was here that her career began to flourish, as she combined journalistic integrity with an understanding of online media trends.
Features Writer
By February 2023, her consistent performance earned her a promotion to Features Writer at the Daily Star. This new role demanded in-depth storytelling, interviews, and detailed research. She moved from quick audience-focused writing to more elaborate, analytical pieces.
Her work as a Features Writer established her reputation for balancing entertainment with substance. Whether exploring lifestyle themes, human interest stories, or cultural commentary, Layla showcased the versatility of her journalistic craft.
Senior Features Writer: Current Role
Layla Nicholson at Daily Star
In May 2024, Layla Nicholson achieved a milestone by becoming a Senior Features Writer at the Daily Star. This position represents the culmination of years of dedication and growth within Reach plc.
As Senior Features Writer, Layla produces in-depth articles that combine strong research with compelling storytelling. She covers a wide range of lifestyle, culture, and human-interest topics, reaching millions of readers across the UK. Her work often demonstrates the blend of empathy, precision, and creativity that sets her apart from others in the field.
Her journey also illustrates the importance of progression — from internship to senior role — within one of the UK’s largest publishing houses.
Skills and Strengths
Journalism and Storytelling
Layla’s primary strength lies in her ability to craft engaging stories. Her journalism reflects a balance of factual accuracy, emotional resonance, and reader relevance.
Digital Media and Video Editing
With skills in video editing and online journalism, she understands the digital transformation of the media industry. She leverages multimedia tools to enhance the impact of her work.
Communication and Empathy
Her time at Turning Point as a mental health support worker has given her a heightened sense of empathy, which enriches her reporting on human-centred stories.
Marketing and Audience Engagement
From UPL Marketing and the Academy Music Group, Layla developed marketing insight and audience awareness. These skills allow her to tailor her writing for maximum impact.
Influence and Recognition
Layla Nicholson Journalist
As a journalist, Layla Nicholson has steadily grown her reputation within Reach plc and beyond. Her articles are widely read, frequently shared, and reflect the interests of a diverse audience.
Her career path also serves as an example for aspiring journalists, demonstrating how determination, adaptability, and diverse experiences can create a solid foundation for success.
Career Timeline
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2018 – 2021: Studied Journalism at University of the Arts London (First Class Honours).
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Jan 2020: Lifestyle Reporter Intern at Reach plc.
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Feb 2020 – Aug 2021: Mental Health Support Worker at Turning Point.
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Oct 2018 – Aug 2021: Street Team member at Academy Music Group.
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Jan 2020 – Nov 2020: Freelance Marketer at UPL Marketing.
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Aug 2021 – Feb 2023: Audience Writer at Daily Star.
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Feb 2023 – May 2024: Features Writer at Daily Star.
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May 2024 – Present: Senior Features Writer at Daily Star.
Conclusion
The journey of Layla Nicholson is a story of ambition, versatility, and resilience. From a determined journalism student at the University of the Arts London to a Senior Features Writer at the Daily Star under Reach plc, her career reflects constant growth.
Her roles at Turning Point, Academy Music Group, and UPL Marketing provided her with unique insights that continue to enrich her writing. As a journalist, she combines empathy with creativity, producing content that resonates with readers across the UK.
Layla Nicholson’s story is a powerful example of how hard work, education, and diverse experiences can lead to a successful career in journalism. As she continues to shape the features desk at the Daily Star, her influence in British media is only expected to grow stronger.4
