Julie Etchingham: The Inspiring Journey of ITV’s Esteemed Anchor and British Broadcast Icon

Who Is Julie Etchingham?
Julie Etchingham is one of Britain’s most respected broadcast journalists, widely recognised for her commanding presence as the anchor of ITV News at Ten. With a career spanning over three decades across the BBC, Sky News, and ITV, she has become a symbol of journalistic integrity, composure, and professionalism in British media.
Born on 21 August 1969 in Leicester, England, Julie Anne Etchingham has spent her life mastering the art of storytelling and impartial reporting. She is best known for her calm yet authoritative style, her ability to handle live breaking news, and her thoughtful approach to political debates and human-interest documentaries.
Julie Etchingham’s Education and Early Career
Academic Foundations at Cambridge
Julie Etchingham attended English Martyrs’ Catholic School in Leicester, where her early interest in journalism was evident. Her strong academic record earned her a place at Newnham College, University of Cambridge, where she studied English and graduated with a 2:1 Master of Arts degree in 1991.
At Cambridge, she was actively involved in the university’s broadcasting and writing circles. She served as the Editor of her college magazine and was a student broadcaster at BBC Radio Cambridge, experiences that laid the foundation for her future in media.
Joining the BBC
Soon after graduating, Etchingham joined the BBC as a trainee journalist, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished broadcasting career. Her early assignments allowed her to refine her on-screen skills and develop an eye for detail. In 1994, she became the presenter of the BBC’s children’s news programme Newsround, introducing young audiences to global current affairs with clarity and warmth.
Career Milestones: From BBC to Sky News to ITV
Rising at Sky News
In 2002, Julie Etchingham joined Sky News, where she worked as a news anchor for six years. She presented Sunrise and later moved on to host key bulletins throughout the day. During her time at Sky, she covered several major world events, including:
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The Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004 from Phuket.
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The 7/7 London terror attacks, during which she anchored for seven consecutive hours.
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The 2004 US Presidential Election, broadcasting live from Washington DC.
Notably, she became the first woman to co-anchor a UK election night in 2005, interviewing world leaders such as Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Hillary Clinton, and Condoleezza Rice.
Becoming the Face of ITV News at Ten
In 2008, Etchingham joined ITV News and became the Senior Anchor for ITV News at Ten, a role she continues to hold. Over the years, she has reported on numerous national and international stories and anchored historic live events, including:
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The Royal Weddings of 2011 and 2018.
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The Funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh.
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The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
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The Coronation of King Charles III.
In addition to News at Ten, she has presented and reported for ITV Tonight and the investigative documentary series ITV Exposure, where her powerful storytelling has brought complex issues to the forefront.
Julie Etchingham and Political Journalism
Moderator of National Debates
Julie Etchingham has been a key figure in British political journalism. Since 2015, she has moderated every major ITV Election Debate and referendum broadcast. Her balanced interviewing style and incisive questioning have earned her immense respect across political lines.
She made history again as the first woman to anchor both an election night programme and a televised election debate in the UK. Her interviews have included every British Prime Minister from Tony Blair to Rishi Sunak, demonstrating her pivotal role in shaping public political dialogue.
Awards and Recognition
Julie Etchingham’s excellence has been acknowledged through numerous awards and accolades. She has twice won the Royal Television Society (RTS) News Presenter of the Year award — first in 2010 and again in 2016 — making her the first woman ever to win the honour.
In addition, she was named Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the London Press Club, further solidifying her status as one of the most trusted voices in British broadcasting.
Julie Etchingham’s Passion Beyond the Newsroom
Writing and Speaking Engagements
Beyond television, She has contributed articles to major publications, including The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, New Statesman, and The Tablet. Her writing reflects her intellectual depth and interest in ethics, media, and social justice.
She is also a sought-after public speaker and mentor, frequently addressing conferences on journalism, women in media, and ethical storytelling.
Advocacy and Charity Work
She is deeply committed to humanitarian and social causes. Her documentary “Britain’s Secret Slaves”, produced for ITV Exposure, shed light on the ongoing issue of modern slavery in the UK, Nigeria, and Italy.
As a result of her work, she has moderated conferences on modern slavery at the Vatican, under the guidance of Pope Francis. She serves as Patron of Anti-Slavery International and Mary Ward Loreto UK.
Her philanthropic involvement extends to several charities:
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Abigail’s Footsteps
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The Hollie Gazzard Trust
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Kids for Kids
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Your Place
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CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development), where she has actively participated in fundraising initiatives like Julie’s Big Lent Walk for CAFOD.
Julie Etchingham’s Personal Life and Family
Nick Gardner – Julie Etchingham’s Husband
Julie Etchingham is married to television producer Nick Gardner, whom she met while working at the BBC. The couple married in 1997 and have two sons together, maintaining a strong and private family life.
Nick Gardner has worked extensively in television production, including on children’s programming, and is recognised for his support of Julie’s demanding broadcasting career.
Is Julie Etchingham Still Married?
Yes. Despite her high-profile media presence, Julie Etchingham leads a private personal life and has remained married to Nick Gardner for over 25 years. There are no reports of separation or divorce, and she often credits her family’s support for helping her balance a challenging profession with personal fulfilment.
Julie Etchingham’s Age, Salary, and Net Worth
How Old Is Julie Etchingham?
Born on 21 August 1969, Julie Etchingham is 56 years old as of 2025. She continues to maintain her poise and energy on screen, symbolising professionalism and longevity in British journalism.
Julie Etchingham’s Salary
As a senior anchor at ITV News, her salary is not publicly disclosed, as ITV does not publish presenter salaries like the BBC. However, given her status and experience, industry estimates suggest she earns a substantial six-figure income annually, aligning with senior broadcaster pay scales in the UK media sector.
Julie Etchingham’s Net Worth
While precise figures are unavailable, various celebrity and media portals estimate Julie Etchingham’s net worth to be around £1.5–2.5 million. This figure reflects her long-standing career at leading networks, speaking engagements, writing, and charitable collaborations.
Julie Etchingham’s Ongoing Influence and Legacy
Julie Etchingham continues to set the gold standard for British broadcast journalism. Her calm authority during live coverage, fairness in political debates, and empathy in documentary storytelling have earned her immense public trust.
Beyond her professional achievements, she has dedicated herself to mentoring young journalists and promoting ethical journalism and women’s empowerment in media. As of 2023, she also holds the position of Pro Chancellor at Birmingham Newman University, reflecting her dedication to education and public service.
FAQs
1. How old is Julie Etchingham?
Julie Etchingham was born on 21 August 1969 in Leicester, England, which makes her 56 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Julie Etchingham’s husband?
Julie Etchingham is married to Nick Gardner, a British television producer. The couple tied the knot in 1997 and have two sons together.
3. Is Julie Etchingham still married?
Yes, Julie Etchingham is still married to Nick Gardner. They have maintained a strong and private relationship for over 25 years, balancing their professional and family lives successfully.
4. What is Julie Etchingham’s net worth and salary?
Julie Etchingham’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed by ITV, but estimates suggest a six-figure annual income. Her net worth is believed to be between £1.5 million and £2.5 million, reflecting her long and successful broadcasting career.
5. What is Julie Etchingham known for?
She is best known as the anchor of ITV News at Ten and the moderator of UK election debates. She has interviewed every British Prime Minister since Tony Blair and has anchored major royal and national events, earning her multiple Royal Television Society Awards.
Conclusion: Julie Etchingham – A Voice of Integrity and Compassion
Julie Etchingham stands as a pillar of British journalism — intelligent, balanced, and deeply humane. From moderating election debates and anchoring global events to championing human rights and education, she has consistently demonstrated that journalism can inform, inspire, and uplift society.
Her journey — from a Cambridge graduate to one of the most recognisable faces on ITV News — exemplifies professionalism and purpose. With her continued leadership on and off screen, Julie Etchingham remains one of the most influential and trusted voices in the UK media landscape.