Martine Croxall: A Distinguished Career in British Broadcasting
Martine Croxall is a highly respected British journalist, television presenter, and public speaking coach who has built a reputation for professionalism, calm authority, and versatility. Best known as one of the leading presenters on BBC News, she has become a familiar face to millions of viewers in the United Kingdom and around the world. With a broadcasting career spanning more than three decades, Croxall’s journey reflects both dedication to journalism and a passion for mentoring others in communication skills.
This article explores her age, height, family background, career milestones, education, and wider professional engagements, providing an in-depth portrait of a figure who has become integral to British media.
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Leicestershire
Martine Sarah Croxall was born on 23 February 1969 in Stoke Golding, a village in Leicestershire, England. Her early years were spent in a rural setting, where she developed a curiosity about people, places, and the wider world—qualities that later shaped her career as a journalist.
Family Life
Martine Croxall is reported to have married Stephen Morris in 2000, and together they have two children. While details of her private life remain guarded, she has spoken about balancing family responsibilities with the demands of broadcasting. This balance has often been cited as one of the strengths that inform her empathetic and grounded approach to news presentation.
Physical Profile
Age
As of 2025, Martine Croxall is 56 years old, a testament to her long-standing contribution to journalism and her ability to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape.
Height
Croxall stands at approximately 1.7 metres (5 feet 7 inches), a height that complements her commanding presence on screen. While not a detail often highlighted in her professional biography, it reflects her confident stature when presenting live broadcasts and hosting events.
Education and Academic Foundations
Bablake School, Coventry
Croxall attended Bablake School in Coventry, where she excelled academically and engaged actively in extracurricular activities. She was involved in athletics, school plays, and was house captain—early indications of her leadership skills and ability to connect with people.
University of Leeds
Pursuing her academic interests, she studied Geography at the University of Leeds, graduating with a BA (Hons). Alongside geography, she explored economics, economic history, sociology, and philosophy, demonstrating her wide intellectual interests. She was president of the Geographical Society and also took part in fencing and hockey.
Her academic background has remained influential throughout her career, particularly in her reporting and presenting on topics relating to environment, society, and sustainability.
Career at the BBC
Early Roles
Martine Croxall began her BBC journey in 1991 with BBC Radio Leicester, where she gained her first experience of reporting, producing, and presenting. Her natural ease in front of a microphone and ability to manage live broadcasting situations quickly marked her out as a talented journalist.
Between 1993 and 1997, she continued at Radio Leicester before moving to BBC Newsroom South East in London, covering stories across the capital and south-east England.
Rise as a National Presenter
In 2001, Croxall joined the BBC News Channel (then BBC News 24) as one of its main presenters. Since then, she has anchored coverage of countless national and international events, including:
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The Paris terror attacks in November 2015, where her calm and professional delivery won widespread praise.
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The death of Prince Philip in April 2021, when she led sensitive live reporting watched by millions.
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Major breaking news moments ranging from elections to natural disasters.
The Papers
One of Croxall’s most recognisable roles has been presenting “The Papers”, a nightly review of the following day’s front pages. Here, she engages with guests in lively discussions about politics, society, and cultural issues, bringing both authority and wit to the segment.
Global Presence
She has also appeared on BBC World News, bringing British journalism to an international audience. With clarity and impartiality, she has reported on stories of global significance, earning trust across cultures.
Beyond the Newsroom
Coaching and Training
Martine Croxall is equally well-regarded as a presentation skills coach, offering her expertise to professionals across industries. Through Upstage Training, Rough House Media, and consultancy work, she helps clients develop confidence in public speaking, refine storytelling techniques, and manage media interviews.
Her experience as a broadcaster allows her to train others to simplify complex subjects and connect effectively with audiences—skills essential in politics, business, healthcare, and education.
Royal Geographical Society
A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS), Croxall has a strong interest in sustainability and environmental issues. She regularly hosts the Society’s “Discovering People” interview series, where she engages figures from travel, science, and culture in thought-provoking conversations. Guests have included Paul Theroux, Sandi Toksvig, Yotam Ottolenghi, and Alain de Botton.
Event Hosting and Moderation
Croxall has built a parallel career as a conference host, debate moderator, and awards MC. She has worked with organisations such as the Employee Ownership Association and the European Parliament UK Information Office, covering subjects ranging from climate change to the digital single market.
Skills and Professional Strengths
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Breaking News Expertise: Known for composure and clarity during unfolding events.
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Interviewing: Skilled at drawing out insights in both formal news settings and informal stage events.
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Coaching: Effective in training others in communication and presentation.
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Versatility: Combines roles as journalist, moderator, and trainer with ease.
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Cultural Awareness: Through her BBC and RGS roles, she has engaged with diverse global perspectives.
Recognition and Public Perception
Martine Croxall has been praised by colleagues, media commentators, and the public for her professionalism. She is seen as a reliable anchor in uncertain times, offering authority without sensationalism. Her adaptability has allowed her to thrive across television, radio, and digital platforms.
She also won an episode of Celebrity Mastermind in March 2022, where her specialist subject was the pioneering American journalist Nellie Bly—further showcasing her intellectual curiosity.
Personal Values and Interests
Croxall is deeply interested in environmental sustainability, geography, and social issues. Her ability to link journalism with wider themes of human and planetary wellbeing distinguishes her among broadcasters.
Her commitment to education and mentoring also reflects a strong sense of responsibility towards developing the next generation of communicators.
Conclusion
Martine Croxall’s career exemplifies professional excellence, adaptability, and service to public communication. From her beginnings in local radio to becoming one of the most recognisable faces of BBC News, she has remained consistent in her dedication to accuracy, impartiality, and clarity.
At 56 years of age and with a career spanning more than 30 years, she continues to influence both audiences and aspiring communicators. With her grounding in geography, her interest in sustainability, and her ongoing work as a coach and moderator, Martine Croxall is not only a journalist but also a mentor, thought-leader, and advocate for better communication in public life.
Her story demonstrates that journalism, when practised with integrity and passion, can both inform and inspire.
