Suzanne Virdee – The Award-Winning British Journalist, Presenter, and Author Inspiring the Next Generation
Suzanne Virdee is a renowned British journalist, broadcaster, and author celebrated for her professionalism, empathy, and dedication to telling authentic stories. With over two decades of experience in broadcast journalism, she has built a reputation as a trusted voice in national and regional television. From presenting BBC Midlands Today to fronting ITV National News, Suzanne Virdee has consistently demonstrated integrity, insight, and poise. Her remarkable career journey reflects not only journalistic excellence but also a deep commitment to social inclusion, diversity, and youth empowerment.
Born on 16 October 1969 in Solihull, England, Suzanne Virdee comes from a mixed Indian and English heritage that shaped her world view and professional mission. Her ability to bridge cultures and connect with audiences of all backgrounds has made her one of the most respected names in British television journalism.
Early Life and Background
A Multicultural Upbringing in Birmingham
Suzanne Virdee was raised in the West Midlands, an area known for its cultural vibrancy and diversity. Her father came to Britain from India after a period in Kenya, while her mother is English, from Dudley. Growing up in this multicultural environment gave Suzanne a unique appreciation for inclusion and community – values that would later define her broadcasting style.
In her public reflections, Suzanne has shared how her father arrived in Britain with a British passport following the Partition era. His experience of integrating into British society while preserving family values deeply influenced her understanding of identity and belonging. She often speaks proudly about her heritage, embracing both her Indian and English roots.
Education and Early Career in Journalism
Starting Out in Local News
Suzanne Virdee began her journalism journey at the age of 18 as a trainee reporter for the Solihull Times. Her early work reflected her determination to report with fairness and accuracy. This foundation led her to positions with regional newspapers, including the Birmingham Post & Mail (now BPM Media), where she developed a strong grasp of local issues and investigative reporting.
Her transition from print to broadcast came naturally. With her calm on-screen presence and sharp editorial judgement, she joined BBC Radio Birmingham as a reporter, producer, and presenter between 1997 and 1999. These years were formative, helping her master the art of clear communication and balanced storytelling.
Breakthrough in Television
Joining ITV News
Suzanne’s television breakthrough came when she joined ITV News in 1999. Working in Birmingham, she presented breakfast, lunchtime, and late news bulletins, as well as producing content for the main 6 p.m. programme. Her coverage of breaking news, live events, and exclusive stories quickly earned her recognition within the industry.
Her professionalism and strong on-air personality soon attracted national attention. Suzanne’s success at ITV paved the way for her recruitment to one of Britain’s most respected regional programmes.
BBC Midlands Today and National Recognition
Becoming a Familiar Face
In 2001, Suzanne Virdee was head-hunted by the BBC to co-present BBC Midlands Today, the corporation’s flagship regional news programme. For eleven years, she was one of the most recognisable and trusted presenters in the region. Her confident delivery, empathy in human-interest stories, and ability to handle breaking news made her a viewer favourite.
During her time at the BBC, she also presented on BBC Breakfast, reading national news bulletins and conducting live interviews. Suzanne’s work was widely acclaimed, and she received the BBC Ruby Award for Best Presenter Team in 2007, judged by prominent figures such as Huw Edwards and Kevin Bakhurst.
Advocacy through Journalism
Suzanne Virdee’s journalism went beyond headlines. She used her platform to highlight issues such as community cohesion, public health, and equality. Her reports reflected empathy and accuracy, aiming to give under-represented voices a fair hearing. She also contributed to BBC Inside Out (Midlands), helping to increase the show’s audience and impact.
Freelance Broadcasting Career
ITV News, ITN Productions, and BBC Inside Out
After leaving BBC Midlands Today in 2012, Suzanne Virdee continued her career as a freelance journalist and presenter, working across major broadcasters including ITV News, BBC News, and ITN Productions. Since 2016, she has been a familiar face on ITV National News and ITV London, while also contributing to BBC Inside Out and Radio 4’s You and Yours.
Her recent reports have included hard-hitting investigations and regional features, from carjacking crime to the campaign for a West Midlands National Park. She remains known for her articulate, calm presence under pressure and her commitment to delivering accurate, responsible journalism.
Authorship and Mentorship
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond television, Suzanne Virdee is also a successful author and mentor. She has written two books for teenage girls, A Teenage Girl’s Guide to Being Fabulous (2015) and A Girl’s Guide to Being Awesome (2020), both published by Summersdale. These works address issues such as self-esteem, social-media pressure, grooming, and mental health – empowering young readers to think critically and value themselves.
Her writing has led to speaking engagements in schools and youth conferences across the UK, where she encourages young people, particularly girls, to embrace confidence, compassion, and individuality. Suzanne’s mentorship work has also involved partnerships with charities supporting young women and media diversity.
Leadership and Industry Roles
Royal Television Society Midlands Committee Member
In August 2025, Suzanne Virdee joined the Royal Television Society Midlands Committee, reflecting her ongoing commitment to strengthening British broadcasting. As part of this organisation, she helps promote and celebrate creative talent both in front of and behind the camera, across news, drama, documentaries, entertainment, and animation. Her appointment marks her as a leader not just on-screen but within the wider media community.
She also collaborates with Create Central UK, which supports television production in the Midlands, advocating for regional representation in British media. Suzanne’s enthusiasm for the growing creative scene in Birmingham and beyond demonstrates her long-standing pride in her home region.
Personal Life
Family and Heritage
Suzanne Virdee’s life away from the camera is rooted in family and culture. She has been married to Andrew Fox, a professional photographer, since 1996. The couple live in Worcestershire. Suzanne often shares reflections on her parents’ experiences, especially her father’s migration journey and his influence on her understanding of identity and belonging.
Her social-media posts highlight her compassion, cultural pride, and love for Birmingham. Whether discussing heritage, her father’s heart-bypass surgery, or participating in fundraising events for the British Heart Foundation, she uses her platform to raise awareness of issues affecting British South Asian communities.
Values and Impact
Championing Diversity and Inclusion
As a bi-racial woman in journalism, Suzanne Virdee has been a long-standing advocate for diversity and inclusivity in British media. She believes that representation in storytelling and newsroom leadership is essential for accurate, empathetic coverage. Through her work and mentorship, she encourages aspiring journalists from all backgrounds to pursue careers in media and to bring authentic voices to the forefront.
Journalism with Purpose
Suzanne’s career is characterised by her belief that journalism should “shine a light on injustices and hold those in power to account.” She maintains high editorial standards and approaches every story with fairness, empathy, and context. Her interviewing skills, honed over decades, have enabled her to engage confidently with everyone from Prime Ministers and decision-makers to everyday citizens with extraordinary experiences.
Recent Highlights (2024–2025)
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Joined the Royal Television Society Midlands Committee (Aug 2025).
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Actively supported the British Heart Foundation Asian Business Board Campaign, raising awareness about cardiovascular health among South Asians.
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Shared widely read reflections on heritage, identity, and integration in Birmingham.
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Continues as freelance presenter for ITV National News and BBC Inside Out, based between London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
FAQs
1. What happened to Suzanne Virdee?
Suzanne Virdee left BBC Midlands Today in March 2012 after 11 successful years as one of its main presenters. She now works on a freelance basis with ITV News, BBC News, and ITN Productions, continuing to present national and regional bulletins, documentaries, and special reports.
2. How old is Suzanne Virdee?
Suzanne Virdee was born on 16 October 1969 in Solihull, England. As of 2025, she is 56 years old.
3. Who is Suzanne Virdee’s husband?
Suzanne Virdee is married to Andrew Fox, a professional photographer. The couple married in 1996 and live in Worcestershire, United Kingdom.
4. What is Suzanne Virdee doing now?
Suzanne continues to work as a freelance journalist and TV presenter for ITV National News, ITV London, and BBC Inside Out. She is also a Royal Television Society Midlands Committee Member and the author of two books for teenage girls promoting confidence and wellbeing.
5. Why did Suzanne Virdee leave Midlands Today?
She departed BBC Midlands Today in 2012 after contract differences but did so on professional terms. Her focus shifted to national and freelance journalism with ITV and ITN, expanding her career beyond regional broadcasting.
6. What is Suzanne Virdee best known for?
She is best known as an award-winning British television journalist who presented BBC Midlands Today for over a decade and later appeared on ITV National News and BBC programmes. She is also recognised as an author, mentor, and advocate for diversity in media.
7. Where is Suzanne Virdee from?
Suzanne Virdee was born in Solihull and raised in Birmingham, England. She is of mixed Indian and English heritage, a background she often celebrates in her public talks and writings about community, integration, and representation.
Conclusion
Suzanne Virdee stands as an inspiring figure in British journalism. Her distinguished career bridges traditional news values with modern storytelling, highlighting both professional integrity and human empathy. As a journalist, presenter, author, and advocate, she continues to influence the evolving media landscape through her passion for fairness, inclusivity, and truth.
From Solihull to the national stage, Suzanne Virdee’s journey reflects not just success but service – a dedication to using journalism as a force for understanding, representation, and positive change.
