Christine Lampard says time working at BBC NI holds "very special place" in her heart as she returns home to host 100 year celebration

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Christine Lampard has said she is "flattered and honoured" to be returning home to Northern Ireland to host a special BBC anniversary event.

The Newtownards presenter and TV personality is set to take to the stage at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Tuesday to host A Century Of Stories, marking 100 years of BBC Northern Ireland.

Crediting her successful career to the start she got at BBC NI back when she was only a teenager, Christine told Belfast Live that the company holds such a "special place" in her heart and she is thrilled to be coming home to celebrate with all the familiar faces.

Read more: Christine Lampard to host BBC NI centenary concert next month

Christine said: "I can't begin to tell you firstly, how flattered and honoured I was when they asked - I genuinely couldn't believe it.

"I said yes straight away, there wasn't even a hesitation. I thought I'll figure it out, it doesn't even matter what day it's on because I just wouldn't have missed it

"It's a real honour to be part of it and obviously, BBC Northern Ireland holds a very special place in my heart."

She added that she is excited to get to be reunited with so many people working on the anniversary gala event who she worked alongside when she was making her start in TV.

The anniversary concert aims to celebrate the diverse work of the BBC and its significant role in local community life delivering the best of everything to everyone.

The Ulster Orchestra will take centre stage, demonstrating its versatility as the BBC's orchestra in Northern Ireland and there will also be performances from a star-studded line-up including Clannad, D:Ream, Tony Hadley and Katharine Timoney.

Christine continued: "I haven't even flown home yet and it's already been brilliant - I'm really, really excited about it.

Christine Bleakley on the set of Give My Head Peace
Christine on the set of Give My Head Peace

"I have to say it's really special."

She said that the best times of her TV career so far have been at home and she continues to tell everyone who asks about the thriving environment here in NI that kickstarted her interest in television.

"It's where it started for me," Christine explained.

"It's where I learned the art of television, I learned from the best people back home and it was just the best experience.

"I look back so fondly on every single second that I had back home with all of the crew and all the artists and all the things that I learned in all the shows that I worked on over those years - it was really incredible."

Never did she expect that on her 17th birthday when she came in for one evening of work experience while studying for her A-Levels what would lie ahead for her in the world of TV.

Christine said: "It was a Friday and I came in after school for a one day work experience on the Patrick Kielty show.

"At the time, it was a massive big live show that came from home hosted by Patrick Kielty and there was a real buzz about it.

"There I was, a 17-year-old A-Level student sitting in the audience and just sort of taking it all in and I always wanted to do cameras at that stage.

"I almost got sidelined into the floor management department that day and I loved it because that involved not only being on the floor and being involved in the technical side, which is what I loved, but you also then dealt with the guests and the organisation of things.

"I thought 'oh wow, this is the dream' so I basically offered my services up to make tea the following Friday and they allowed me to do so and then they asked me back the next Friday and the next Friday and here I am."

She thanked all those who saw the potential in her from that young age which allowed her to grow and find herself in the industry she is so passionate about.

"I was enthusiastic and wanted to work hard, wanted to learn and they allowed me to do all of those things.

"People talk about getting a break, that was my break. That was how I got into television and it all started at Blackstaff Studio.

"I cannot wait."

The BBC NI 100th anniversary gala event hosted by Christine will be broadcast on BBC television and BBC Radio Ulster later this year

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