Broadcaster, writer and campaigner, Carol Vorderman MBE, is to be the Alternative MacTaggart speaker at the 2024 Edinburgh TV Festival.
Vorderman began her television career in 1982, appearing alongside Richard Whiteley on Countdown, she remained on the Channel 4 show until 2008.
She was awarded an MBE in 2000 for her services to broadcasting and currently hosts a weekly radio show on LBC, a daily quiz podcast ‘Perfect 10’, the Pride of Britain Awards and is now also known for her political activism.
Later this year she will publish a new book – Now What? On a Mission to Fix Broken Britain.
”I feel honoured to have been asked to be this year’s Alternative MacTaggart speaker. As our industry transitions, there is much to discuss,” she said.
“42 years on the box, hosting shows for all channels, it’s been an interesting life! I choose to live a life outside of the media thrall of London and I live without apology. Beware the post-menopausal woman who doesn’t give a damn! I’ll see you in Edinburgh.”
TV Festival Creative Director, Rowan Woods and Advisory Chair, Harj Chhokar, added:
“This year’s Alternative MacTaggart will be delivered by a true TV legend. Since making her debut on Countdown, the first ever programme on Channel 4, Carol Vorderman MBE has been part of the DNA of the UK television industry and a mainstay of our screens. She is also a funny, fearless and ferocious commentator on everything from politics to social mobility, sexism and education. We know her Alternative MacTaggart is going to be one of the must-see events of this year’s festival.”
Other speakers already confirmed for the Festival include multi-platinum music artist and tech entrepreneur will.i.am, multi-award-winning producer, Warren Littlefield, BAFTA winning writer Sarah Phelps, actors Julie Hesmondhalgh and Rakhee Thakrar and The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm executive producer, Andy Wilman.
