Popular wildlife presenter Gillian Burke is a staple of the Springwatch and Winterwatch presenting team, alongside Chris Packham, Michaela Strachan, Iolo Williams and Megan McCubbin.
Who is Gillian Burke?
Gillian Burke is a natural history programme presenter and voice-over artist, and is most well-known for her work on BBC Two's 'The Watches'. Gillian writes a monthly column in BBC Wildlife Magazine. She also hosts a podcast called If I Ruled The World, where in each episode she speaks to a scientist or expert on the one thing they'd like to change about the world.
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How old is Gillian Burke?
Gillian Burke was born in 1974 or 1975.
Where did Gillian Burke grow up?
Gillian Burke's grandmothers are from the Seychelles, and her grandfathers are from Sri Lanka and she grew up just outside of Nairobi, Kenya, where her father was a mechanic and her mother worked for the UN on environmental projects. Her father often took her into the game parks, which helped spark her love of wildlife. At the age of ten, her mother was offered a new role and the family relocated to Vienna, where she learnt to speak German.
What did Gillian Burke study?
Gillian Burke studied biology at Bristol University. After she finished her degree, she started her TV career as a natural history researcher and eventually became a producer and voice-over artist. She first appeared on Springwatch in 2016, and became a regular presenter shortly afterwards.
How did Gillian Burke get into television?
Speaking to Bristol University, Gillian said, 'I walked past the BBC Natural History Building on Whiteladies Road every day on my way to lectures, absentmindedly thinking about the Attenborough films made there. After graduating, I went to the States. I spent some time in the doldrums but eventually came back to Bristol, and it was only then that it occurred to me to go to the BBC. Languages gave me a bit of an edge, as I spoke German, French and Spanish. I also spoke Swahili, which I assumed would be my ticket to success as they did a lot of filming in Kenya. I did get work, but bizarrely, I’ve never worked in Kenya as a natural history filmmaker.'
What programmes has Gillian Burke presented?
As well as The Watches, Gillian has presented BBC Two's Blue Planet UK (2019) and Animal Planet's Nature’s Strangest Mysteries Solved (2019). She's also narrated BBC Two's Baby Chimp Rescue (2020).
When did Gillian Burke join Springwatch as one of its main presenters?
Burke joined The Watches team as a main presenter in 2017, following appearances as a roving reporter on Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch in 2016.
What is Gillian Burke's favourite British animal?
'The animal I really have a strong affinity with is the swallow,' says Gillian. 'There’s so much historical and cultural symbolism around it, but for me, whenever I see them come back, I think about where they’ve been. They make their home in the same two places I call home, and when I see them, I always have a little smile. I like to imagine what they’ve seen during their journey.'
Where does Gillian Burke live?
BBC presenter Gillian Burke lives in Cornwall with her family.
Does Gillian Burke have children?
Gillian Burke has two children.
Check out our guides to other favourite TV presenters, including Chris Packham, Matt Baker, Helen Skelton, Iolo Williams, Megan McCubbin, and Anita Rani.