Natasha Kaplinsky has long been a recognisable face in British media. With a career that spans decades across major broadcasting institutions such as the BBC, Channel 5, and ITV, Kaplinsky has cemented her status not just as a seasoned newsreader but also as a passionate advocate for humanitarian causes. She became a household name through her poised television presence, winning charisma, and versatile ability to engage audiences—whether reporting on world events or captivating viewers on Strictly Come Dancing. Her career and personal endeavours illustrate a life lived with purpose, commitment, and influence.
Early Life and Academic Roots
Born on 9 September 1972 in Brighton, Sussex, Natasha Margaret Kaplinsky grew up in a home that valued education and global awareness. Her father, Raphael Kaplinsky, was a South African political refugee and an esteemed professor of international development. Her mother, Catherine, worked in the public sector and instilled a strong sense of social justice in her children. This multicultural and intellectually stimulating background shaped Natasha’s outlook early on.
Kaplinsky attended Ringmer Community College and later Brighton College, before going on to study English at Hertford College, Oxford. Her education laid a strong foundation for critical thinking and articulate communication, skills that would become invaluable throughout her broadcasting career.
Rising through the Ranks in Television Journalism
Natasha Kaplinsky’s professional media journey began in the late 1990s. Her initial break came when she joined Meridian Broadcasting as a presenter. Shortly after, she transitioned to London Today and London Tonight, gaining significant on-air experience.
Her breakthrough moment came in 1999 when she joined Sky News. It was here that she truly honed her live broadcasting skills, co-presenting Sunrise and later Live at Five. Her calm composure, articulate delivery, and natural flair for handling breaking news earned her early acclaim.
In 2002, Natasha made the leap to the BBC, one of the most defining moves of her career. Initially co-presenting BBC Breakfast with Dermot Murnaghan, her popularity soared. She went on to become one of the youngest anchors to present the BBC Six O’Clock News and eventually the BBC Ten O’Clock News. This period solidified her status as one of the UK’s leading newsreaders. She was more than just a familiar face—she was a trusted voice delivering critical national and global news.
Strictly Come Dancing and Mainstream Fame
In 2004, Natasha Kaplinsky stepped outside the newsroom and into the ballroom. She became the first-ever winner of Strictly Come Dancing, a show that would go on to become a national institution. Partnered with Brendan Cole, her performances captured the public’s imagination and revealed a lighter, more personal side to the newsreader who had previously been known for her formality and professionalism.
Winning Strictly didn’t just boost her public profile; it demonstrated her willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges. Her participation showed that she could be both credible and relatable, reinforcing her broad appeal.
Channel 5 and the Record-Breaking Move
In 2008, Natasha Kaplinsky made headlines again—this time for signing what was widely reported as the most lucrative deal for a newsreader in British television history. She joined Five News (now known as Channel 5 News) as the face of a revamped news service. This move marked a significant shift in the industry, highlighting how valuable strong, credible broadcasters had become in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Although her time at Channel 5 was relatively short-lived, it showcased her adaptability and influence. She helped elevate the station’s profile and brought gravitas to its news output.
Return to ITV and Documentary Work
After stepping back from daily news anchoring, Natasha returned to ITV for a series of special programming, including documentaries such as The People’s Medal, On the Run, and Missing Without Trace. These documentaries reflected her deepening interest in social issues and investigative storytelling. Unlike the fast-paced nature of traditional news, these formats allowed her to delve deeper into complex topics, engaging with them in a more reflective and impactful way.
Her ability to transition seamlessly from nightly news to long-form storytelling underlined her versatility and continued relevance in British media.
Dedication to Humanitarian Work
Away from the television cameras, Natasha Kaplinsky has devoted considerable time to philanthropic and advocacy work. In 2014, she was appointed by the then Prime Minister to serve on the UK Holocaust Commission. This role involved conducting over 100 interviews with Holocaust survivors, preserving their stories for future generations. Her dedication to this task was deeply personal and moved her to tears on many occasions.
In recognition of her efforts, Natasha was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017. The honour acknowledged her significant contributions to Holocaust commemoration and education.
Her humanitarian work did not stop there. She has served as a global ambassador for Save the Children and became President of Barnardo’s in 2019. Both roles require significant public engagement, campaign work, and advocacy—all of which she undertakes with commitment and compassion. She is also a patron of organisations such as The Bevern Trust, The Willow Foundation, and the National Maternity Support Foundation, among others.
Leadership in Arts and Classification
In 2022, Kaplinsky was appointed President of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). This position involves guiding classification decisions and ensuring content remains appropriate for audiences of all ages. It reflects her growing influence beyond television and her aptitude for leadership roles that require careful judgement and cultural sensitivity.
Then, in 2024, she was announced as the incoming Chair of The Royal Ballet School, a role that sees her preparing the institution for its 100th anniversary in 2026. This appointment once again underlines the widespread respect she commands in various sectors, from the arts to charity governance.
Personal Life and Resilience
Away from public life, Natasha Kaplinsky is married to investment banker Justin Bower, with whom she shares two children. The family resides on a rural farm in East Sussex, living a lifestyle that blends tranquillity with purpose.
In 2018, Natasha, her father, and daughter were injured in a serious boat fire while on holiday in Corfu. The event was traumatic and served as a reminder of the fragility of life. Yet, she returned to public work with the same calm resolve that has defined her career. She has also spoken publicly about experiencing miscarriage, helping to break the stigma around women’s reproductive health and adding to her legacy as a compassionate and courageous public figure.
Professional Integrity and Lasting Impact
What truly sets Natasha Kaplinsky apart is her enduring professional integrity. Whether she’s delivering hard-hitting news, dancing under the glitter ball, or documenting survivors’ stories, she brings sincerity and composure to every task. Her multifaceted career serves as a testament to what broadcasters can achieve when they combine skill with passion and purpose.
She has successfully reinvented herself multiple times—moving from presenter to documentary host, from newsreader to humanitarian, and from ballroom dancer to leadership figure in arts and media governance. Each transformation has felt natural, driven by values rather than mere opportunity.
Conclusion
Natasha Kaplinsky’s journey is one of adaptability, service, and excellence. Her life’s work spans far more than the newsroom. It includes storytelling, advocacy, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Her legacy will not simply be measured by ratings or accolades but by the lives she has touched—through her words, her actions, and her example.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Natasha Kaplinsky remains a guiding light—a figure whose career is both a reflection of excellence and a source of inspiration for the next generation.
