Annabel Tiffin – The Voice of BBC North West Tonight
Who is Annabel Tiffin?
Annabel Tiffin is a distinguished English broadcast journalist and television presenter, best known for her role as the main presenter and producer of BBC One’s regional news programme, North West Tonight. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has become a trusted and recognisable face in northern England, known for her professional delivery, warm on-screen presence, and commitment to regional journalism. Based at MediaCity in Salford, Annabel has built a reputation for excellence through her work in broadcasting, news presentation, and political reporting.
Early Life and Education
Annabel Tiffin was born on 25 November 1968 in Southampton, Hampshire, England, making her 56 years old in 2025. She spent her early years in southern England before pursuing her education and later moving north to advance her media career. Her upbringing fostered a deep interest in storytelling, communication, and public affairs — qualities that would later define her career in journalism.
Career Journey: From Local News to BBC North West Tonight
From Print to Broadcasting
Before her television career, Annabel Tiffin began her journey in local journalism, working for regional publications such as the Stockport Express Advertiser. Her strong command of language and curiosity about current affairs quickly led her into broadcast journalism.
Years at ITV: The Central News Chapter
In November 1997, Annabel joined Central News (ITV) as a reporter and presenter, where she honed her skills in front of the camera. Over nearly six years at ITV Central, she developed a flair for engaging with audiences while delivering complex regional stories in a relatable way.
BBC North West Tonight and Political Coverage
In August 2003, Annabel made the pivotal move to BBC News, joining the team at BBC North West Tonight. She initially worked as a reporter and producer before taking on the main presenter’s role. Over her 22-year tenure, she has anchored major stories, led breaking-news coverage, and contributed to the programme’s award-winning reputation.
Alongside her work on North West Tonight, she has fronted Sunday Politics North West and The Politics Show North West, showcasing her depth of understanding of UK regional and national politics. Her coverage of significant events — including the Manchester Arena bombing, Hillsborough investigations, and local elections — reflects her calm authority and dedication to balanced reporting.
Achievements and Recognition
Annabel’s distinguished career has earned her multiple accolades. She has been nominated for Royal Television Society (RTS) awards and has helped the BBC North West Tonight team secure regional broadcasting honours for journalistic excellence.
In 2022, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Bolton, recognising her outstanding contribution to public broadcasting and regional journalism. This achievement marked an important milestone, reflecting her influence on the next generation of journalists in the North West.
Annabel Tiffin’s Role at MediaCity UK
Working at the BBC’s state-of-the-art headquarters at MediaCity UK in Salford, Annabel Tiffin plays a central role in shaping regional news coverage. She serves not only as a presenter but also as a producer and political editor, helping to ensure that stories from Manchester, Liverpool, Lancashire, and Cheshire reach a broad audience with clarity and fairness.
Her professionalism and approachable personality have made her a trusted figure for millions of viewers who tune in each evening to North West Tonight.
Personal Life
Annabel Tiffin’s Husband and Family
Annabel Tiffin is married and lives in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, with her husband and their two children — a son and a daughter. Although she keeps her private life out of the media spotlight, she has occasionally shared light-hearted moments from family life on her social-media platforms.
Some sources mention that her husband’s name is John Williamson, and that they married in 1998, although this detail remains unconfirmed by official BBC or reputable biographical sources. Nonetheless, her social-media posts and public appearances make it clear that family plays a central role in her life.
Annabel Tiffin’s Children
Annabel Tiffin has a teenage son and a daughter, both of whom appear occasionally in her personal photos. A humorous Instagram post from 2020 referenced her 16-year-old son cleaning the decking, which offered a glimpse of her witty, down-to-earth personality.
Her daughter is occasionally featured in family pictures on her public Facebook page, showing a close and supportive family dynamic away from the newsroom.
How Old is Annabel Tiffin?
As of 2025, Annabel Tiffin is 56 years old. Born on 25 November 1968, she has enjoyed over 30 years in journalism, evolving from a local news reporter to one of the most recognisable regional presenters in the UK. Her longevity in broadcasting is a testament to her adaptability and dedication to high-quality journalism.
Where Has Annabel Tiffin Been?
For viewers wondering where Annabel Tiffin has been, she remains actively involved in BBC North West Tonight and other regional BBC programmes. Any brief absences from the screen are typically related to scheduled breaks or rotation among presenters, which is common practice within BBC regional teams.
Annabel continues to live in Cheadle Hulme, close to her workplace at MediaCity Salford, balancing a busy professional life with her family commitments.
Annabel Tiffin’s Style and Public Image
Annabel Tiffin is admired for her calm authority, clarity of communication, and empathetic interviewing style. Colleagues and viewers alike describe her as professional, approachable, and authentic — qualities that make her one of the most respected faces on British regional television.
Her ability to blend warmth with professionalism has helped BBC North West Tonight maintain its reputation as a trusted regional news source. Beyond her daily presenting duties, she also hosts conferences and award ceremonies, reflecting her respected status in the media industry.
Annabel Tiffin’s Contribution to Regional Journalism
Annabel’s contribution extends far beyond the studio. She has become a role model for aspiring journalists, particularly women in broadcasting, proving that dedication and integrity remain at the heart of successful journalism. Her decades-long service has strengthened public trust in regional news, ensuring communities in the North West continue to receive accurate, engaging, and inclusive coverage.
Wedding and Family Life
While specific details of Annabel Tiffin’s wedding are not publicly documented, reports suggest she married around 1998, the same period when her career began to flourish in television news. Her long-term partnership reflects stability, and she often speaks warmly of her family’s support throughout her professional journey.
Together with her husband and children, Annabel enjoys a balanced life between her demanding broadcasting career and family time — often sharing glimpses of personal joy, humour, and family togetherness with her audience.
Conclusion
Annabel Tiffin stands as one of Britain’s most respected regional broadcasters — a journalist whose credibility, professionalism, and warmth have defined over two decades of BBC North West Tonight. From her beginnings in local news to becoming a household name in the North West, she continues to embody the values of public-service journalism.
At 56 years old, she remains active on screen and behind the scenes, guiding the next chapter of regional broadcasting from the heart of MediaCity UK. Whether reporting political developments, anchoring live bulletins, or simply sharing a smile with viewers at home, Annabel Tiffin remains the trusted voice of the North West — a journalist devoted to truth, community, and connection.
FAQs
1. Who is Annabel Tiffin?
Annabel Tiffin is an English broadcast journalist and presenter, best known as the main presenter and producer of BBC North West Tonight, based at MediaCity UK in Salford.
2. How old is Annabel Tiffin?
She was born on 25 November 1968 in Southampton, England, making her 56 years old in 2025.
3. Is Annabel Tiffin married?
Yes. Annabel Tiffin is married and lives in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, with her husband and two children. Some reports suggest her husband’s name is John Williamson, though this has not been officially confirmed.
4. Does Annabel Tiffin have children?
Yes, she has two children — a son and a daughter. She occasionally shares family moments on her public social-media accounts.
5. Where has Annabel Tiffin been recently?
Annabel continues to work actively with BBC North West Tonight, presenting regional news and political coverage from MediaCity in Salford, while also hosting public events and conferences.
