Gareth Barlow

Not to be confused with Gary Barlow.
Gareth Barlow
Born (1990-05-31) 31 May 1990 (age 34)
Reading, Berkshire, England
Occupation(s)Journalist, newsreader, television and radio presenter
Years active2014-present
SpouseCharlie Lailey
Websitewww.garethbarlow.co.uk

Gareth Barlow is an English journalist, presenter and newsreader best known for his work with BBC News. Prior to his broadcasting career he was a farmer and butcher.

Early life and education

Born in Reading, England, on 31 May 1990, he later moved with his family to North Yorkshire.[1] He was privately educated at St Peters School, York and went to Durham University in 2008 to study biology, though left after one year.[2]

Career

Farming

Barlow began farming at the age of seventeen when he sold his Xbox and bought six sheep.[3] Despite not having a farming background he supplied Michelin starred restaurants and farm shops around the UK.[4] In 2012 he was named Outstanding Newcomer to Food and Drink[5] at the Deliciously Yorkshire Awards. In 2015 he won the Countryside Award,[6] in recognition for his contribution to the industry.

In 2010 his story of getting into farming was highlighted by BBC One's Countryfile.[7]

Alongside working as a farmer, Barlow trained as a butcher[8] and slaughterman in an abattoir. In March 2013 one of Barlow's lambs went viral after he posted about it on social media.[9] He stopped farming at the end of 2013.

Broadcasting

Barlow joined BBC Radio York in 2014, where he hosted a regular weekly radio show, Yorkshire Farming.[10] He also contributed to BBC One's Countryfile[11] and BBC Radio 4's Farming Today.

In 2017, he joined the BBC World Service as a broadcast journalist, on both BBC radio and TV. He was included in the 2017 Radio Academy 30-under-30 award.[12] Alongside working on news output, he also presented various documentary radio programmes including Crowdscience[13] and The Food Chain.[14]

Barlow presented bulletins on the BBC News Channel. In August 2023 he came to international attention following a blooper he made while presenting a late night BBC news programme. Starting the 10pm bulletin, he said "I'm watching– I'm watching BBC News? I'm Gareth Barlow. You're watching BBC News! "[15]

On 7 January 2024 it was announced that Barlow had joined Sky News to present the network's breakfast show alongside Kay Burley.[16]

Personal life

Barlow is married to his husband Charlie. The couple live in London.[17]

References

  1. ^ "Young farmer Gareth Barlow to be featured on BBC radio programmes". Gazette & Herald. 2010-04-08. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  2. ^ "Young Farmer Gareth Barlow visits St Peter's School". UK Boarding Schools. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  3. ^ "Fertile Minds: How to be a successful young farmer". Farmers Weekly. 2013-11-28. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  4. ^ "Farming industry targets the next generation". BBC News. 2012-07-24. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  5. ^ "It's flock and roll for farmer Gareth Barlow as he hosts new show on BBC Radio York". York Press. 2015-01-02. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  6. ^ "Ryedale's Gareth Barlow triumphs at Yorkshire Awards". Gazette & Herald. 2015-10-17. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  7. ^ "Countryfile highlights struggles to get into farming". Farmers Weekly. 2010-04-18. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  8. ^ "Video: Farmers Apprentice guest speaker, Gareth Barlow". Farmers Weekly. 2013-02-02. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  9. ^ "Meet Micro Lamb". BBC Newsround. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  10. ^ "BBC Radio York - Yorkshire Farming - Available now". BBC. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  11. ^ "BBC One - Countryfile, Isle of Wight". BBC. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  12. ^ "30 Under 30 - Alumni". Radio Academy. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  13. ^ "CrowdScience: Where Do All Our Vegetables Come From?". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  14. ^ "BBC World Service - The Food Chain, The pig plague". BBC. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  15. ^ "BBC News host in epic blunder - but what happened next has everyone in hysterics". Metro. 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  16. ^ "Sky News Breakfast show to start earlier with brand new look". Sky News. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  17. ^ Barlow, Gareth (18 January 2024). "X". X. Retrieved 18 January 2024.