Mary Rhodes – The BBC Midlands Today Presenter Redefining British Broadcasting Excellence

Who Is Mary Rhodes?
Mary Rhodes is one of the most respected figures in British regional journalism. For over three decades she has been a trusted face at the BBC, admired for her balanced reporting, professionalism, and warm connection with viewers. As the lead presenter of BBC Midlands Today, she embodies the BBC’s commitment to quality public-service broadcasting.
Her career spans BBC World, BBC News 24, and BBC One, covering both news and sport with equal command. Beyond television, she is an accomplished event host, conference facilitator, and corporate presenter, widely sought after across the UK and Europe.
Early Life and Education
Mary Rhodes Age
Born on 28 November 1969, Mary Rhodes grew up in the West Midlands, the region she still represents on screen. She is now 55 years old.
She attended Weobley High School and Hereford Sixth Form College, where she studied Communication Studies, English, General Studies, and Psychology. She then earned a BA (Hons) Media and Communications degree from Birmingham Polytechnic (now Birmingham City University), specialising in television production — a foundation that would define her broadcasting career.
Mary Rhodes BBC Career Journey
The Early Years
Mary joined the BBC in 1995 and began as a sports reporter and presenter. Her early exposure came through Radio Wimbledon, where her articulate and engaging coverage of the Championships drew BBC attention. Soon after, she was invited to present on BBC World, BBC News 24, and BBC One, quickly becoming one of the most recognisable sports voices in the UK.
Transition to News
In 2009, Mary began presenting Inside Out West Midlands, a current-affairs show celebrated for regional investigations and human-interest storytelling. Her empathetic presentation and integrity made her an audience favourite.
By 2012, she became lead presenter of BBC Midlands Today, a flagship regional news programme broadcast from Birmingham. Her authoritative yet friendly delivery has since anchored countless major stories, from political developments to community triumphs across the Midlands.
Experience Beyond Broadcasting
Away from the newsroom, Mary Rhodes is a skilled conference facilitator and corporate events host. Drawing on more than 30 years in live television, she moderates panels, chairs summits, and hosts awards evenings for organisations across sectors such as sport, charity, healthcare, and business.
She also continues to work for IMG’s Live @ Wimbledon Radio, broadcasting from the tournament grounds every summer since 2012 — merging her two passions: journalism and sport.
Mary Rhodes Husband – Duncan Jones
A Partnership Rooted in Media and Service
Mary Rhodes is married to Duncan Jones, a British media consultant, journalist, and non-executive director with a long-standing career in broadcasting. The couple share both professional and personal ties to the BBC and to charitable work across the West Midlands.
It is important to note that this Duncan Jones is not the film director (David Bowie’s son) but a UK-based media professional who began his career alongside Mary at the launch of BBC News 24 in 1997.
Professional Background
Duncan Jones has spent decades in journalism and communication strategy. A former BBC journalist, he later became a consultant and media adviser, working across sectors including public policy and health communications.
He is also known for his charitable leadership — he served as a Trustee of the Alzheimer’s Society and sat on its Sport United Against Dementia Board, helping to raise awareness of dementia through sport.
Public Confirmation and BBC Links
Their professional and personal connection has been visible in several public contexts:
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Companies House records list Duncan Jones as Company Secretary for Mary Rhodes Ltd (since 2006).
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DLUXE Magazine and other event outlets have referred to Duncan Jones as Mary Rhodes’s husband at Alzheimer’s Society charity events in Birmingham and Sutton Park.
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A LinkedIn post by Duncan Jones celebrated the 25-year anniversary of BBC News 24, featuring a reunion photo with Mary Rhodes, Mike Bushell, and Kim Barrett at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games — further confirming their shared BBC background.
A Private and Grounded Life
Despite their public profiles, both Mary Rhodes and Duncan Jones are known for keeping their private life discreet. They live in the Greater Coventry Area, remaining active in local charities and community events. Their partnership is characterised by shared values — professionalism, empathy, and social responsibility.
Mary Rhodes Age and Personal Interests
At 55, Mary Rhodes continues to bring enthusiasm and focus to her broadcasting work. Away from television, she is passionate about sport, particularly football and cycling. She is a devoted supporter of West Bromwich Albion F.C. and a member of the Warwickshire Supporters Club Branch.
She also supports regional causes, from youth media training to dementia awareness — many of them in collaboration with her husband’s charitable projects.
Mary Rhodes on Social Media
Mary Rhodes maintains a professional online presence under the handle @maryrhodestv on Twitter (X). Her posts reflect a blend of BBC updates, community features, and uplifting stories from around the Midlands. Followers value her approachable tone and dedication to factual, positive journalism — a refreshing counterbalance to sensationalism in modern media.
Why Mary Rhodes Stands Out at the BBC
Authenticity and Trust
Mary Rhodes connects with viewers through sincerity and local insight. Her grounded personality makes complex stories accessible and relatable, whether she’s reporting from the studio or in the field.
Professional Standards
Over three decades, she has upheld the BBC’s editorial values of impartiality, accuracy, and balance. Her calm authority and warmth on screen have made her a household name throughout the West Midlands.
Community Engagement
Mary’s ongoing involvement with charities, regional campaigns, and educational projects showcases her commitment to giving back. She frequently supports fundraising events, hosting evenings that bring together businesses, sports figures, and volunteers.
Duncan Jones – The Man Behind the Scenes
While Mary Rhodes commands attention in front of the camera, Duncan Jones has quietly influenced the media landscape behind it.
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Former BBC Journalist: Contributed to the launch of BBC News 24 in 1997, part of the original sports team.
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Consultant & Strategist: Advises media and charitable organisations on storytelling and audience engagement.
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Trustee & Advocate: Works with dementia charities and community outreach initiatives.
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Public Figure in Media Networks: Remains active on professional platforms, sharing insights on journalism, communications, and social impact.
Together, Mary and Duncan form one of Britain’s most respected couples in regional broadcasting — united by shared ethics and a lifelong passion for communication.
Legacy and Influence
As a trailblazing woman in journalism, Mary Rhodes has inspired a generation of presenters and reporters to combine factual rigour with human connection. Her steady voice and empathetic delivery define a career dedicated to truth and public service.
From her early Wimbledon reports to leading BBC Midlands Today, she has shown that regional journalism can be both high-quality and deeply personal. Alongside Duncan Jones, she continues to support causes that align media influence with community good.
FAQs
1. How old is Mary Rhodes?
Mary Rhodes was born on 28 November 1969, which makes her 55 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is Mary Rhodes’ husband?
Mary Rhodes is married to Duncan Jones, a British media consultant, journalist, and former Alzheimer’s Society trustee. He previously worked for the BBC News 24 launch team and remains active in broadcasting and charitable work.
3. What TV show does Mary Rhodes present?
Mary Rhodes is the lead presenter of BBC Midlands Today, the regional news programme covering the West Midlands. She has also presented Inside Out (West Midlands) and appeared on BBC News 24 and BBC World.
4. How long has Mary Rhodes worked for the BBC?
Mary joined the BBC in 1995, giving her around 30 years of experience as a broadcast journalist across news and sport.
5. What are Mary Rhodes’ key interests outside journalism?
Mary Rhodes is passionate about sports, particularly football and cycling, and she supports West Bromwich Albion F.C. She also participates in charity events, community outreach, and public speaking engagements across the Midlands.
Conclusion – The Enduring Impact of Mary Rhodes and Duncan Jones
In a rapidly changing media world, Mary Rhodes remains a benchmark for integrity and warmth. Her career exemplifies commitment to the craft of journalism and devotion to the Midlands community.
At 55, with over 30 years at the BBC, she continues to shape the region’s narrative — every evening reminding audiences that trustworthy journalism still matters.
Beside her, Duncan Jones, the seasoned media consultant and former BBC journalist, complements her legacy through his behind-the-scenes contributions and charitable leadership.
Together they represent the very best of British broadcasting — professionalism, empathy, and public service — proving that great journalism is not just about stories told, but about the lives touched along the way.