Kelly Foran: The North-West Journalist Who Took Britain’s Newsroom by Storm
Who Is Kelly Foran?
Few British reporters combine warmth, credibility, and grit quite like Kelly Foran. A household face for audiences across the North-West of England, Kelly has built a reputation as a trusted voice for both local and national news. Currently serving as a BBC North West reporter and presenter, she has also been a North of England Reporter at ITV News, where her thoughtful coverage and authentic delivery earned widespread respect.
Kelly’s broadcasting journey—from small-community radio studios to the national television spotlight—demonstrates what consistency and talent can achieve. Her approach to journalism is unmistakably human: empathetic storytelling backed by professional rigour.
Early Life and Education: Where Was Kelly Foran Born?
Born in May 1985, Kelly Foran grew up in the Manchester area of North-West England. She attended St Bede’s College, Manchester, between 1997 and 2003—a foundation that shaped her love for communication and social engagement. Her Irish-rooted surname and family connections to the Isle of Man suggest the strong Northern and Celtic ties that often appear in her work.
Even as a teenager, Kelly displayed an instinct for connection. By her late teens she was volunteering at local community radio stations, speaking directly to her neighbours long before she reached national screens.
Early Career: From Community Radio to BBC Isle of Man
Kelly’s first professional step into broadcasting began at Wythenshawe FM, where she presented a drivetime show from 2004 to 2007. That early experience honed her spontaneity, quick thinking, and sense of humour—qualities that remain visible in her live reporting today.
Between 2007 and 2008 she gained valuable newsroom experience with Key 103, Magic FM, and the Bauer Media Group, taking on reporting and production duties. She even spent time as a traffic reporter for INRIX, reading live updates across BBC and commercial stations in the North-West. These years gave her technical agility and taught her to remain calm under pressure.
Her next leap came with 3FM Radio on the Isle of Man, where she served as News Editor and Breakfast Show Presenter until 2011. It was here that Kelly began to appear regularly on camera, crossing over from radio to visual storytelling.
BBC North West Tonight: A Defining Era
In September 2011, Kelly Foran joined BBC North West Tonight as a Video Journalist, reporting from both Douglas (Isle of Man) and Salford. Over six years she built an extensive portfolio covering social issues, weather stories, and regional human-interest features.
From 2018 to 2021 she took on a larger role as a news reporter, producer, and occasional weather presenter at BBC MediaCity. Her approachable on-air presence and grounded delivery quickly made her a viewer favourite. She often joked about “dabbling in weather presenting—so don’t ask if it’s going to rain!”, reflecting her modest, relatable personality.
Kelly Foran at ITV News: The National Stage
In October 2022, Kelly accepted a high-profile appointment as North of England Reporter for ITV National News. For more than two years she covered everything from social-affairs investigations to community-impact stories across northern England.
Her tenure at ITV broadened her national reach while keeping her Northern authenticity intact. Whether reporting on health services, education, or environmental challenges, Kelly remained dedicated to telling the stories of ordinary people with dignity and empathy.
Return to BBC News in 2025: Is Kelly Foran Back at the BBC?
Yes—Kelly Foran officially returned to the BBC in March 2025. Her LinkedIn profile lists her role as Journalist / Reporter / Presenter – BBC News, based once again at MediaCity UK in Manchester. The move marked a full-circle moment in her career, reaffirming her strong bond with North-West audiences and colleagues.
Her fans welcomed her return with enthusiasm; many remember her BBC North West Tonight days fondly and celebrated seeing her back on screen. Today she covers a blend of local news, regional features, and stories that reflect the everyday realities of Northern life.
Kelly Foran Age and Date of Birth
Through her own public posts, Kelly confirmed that she turned 40 in May 2025, meaning she was born in May 1985. Her birthday typically falls around 13 May, as seen in celebratory messages on her social media pages. She often marks the day with humour and gratitude, balancing work commitments—such as the six-thirty news—with family celebrations.
Family and Parents
Kelly’s family remains the heart of her story. Her father, Sean Foran, sadly passed away in December 2017. She regularly honours him through heartfelt tributes, describing the enduring influence he had on her life and work. Comments from friends and viewers reveal he was well-known and admired within their community.
Her mother, believed to be Jackie Foran, continues to feature in family moments online, and together they maintain close ties to their Northern and Irish heritage. The warmth in Kelly’s family life is often reflected in the compassion of her journalism.
Kelly Foran Husband and Marriage
Kelly married Matt Harvey on 31 March 2012. Matt is a PE Teacher at Tytherington School and a devoted father. His social profiles mirror Kelly’s passion for the outdoors, nature, sport, and family. In Kelly’s own words, he’s her biggest supporter—once celebrated humorously with:
“Gin is waiting for you to congratulate you on surviving this long with me!”
After more than a decade together, the couple continues to share adventures in Manchester, often hiking or enjoying family time with their daughters.
Kelly Foran Children
Kelly and Matt Harvey have two daughters, Ella and Evelyn. Kelly occasionally posts photos of the girls on family outings, always mindful of privacy. A 2016 post showed “Ella and Evelyn enjoying time with Grandma and Grandad #IsleofMan,” capturing a tender family moment before her father’s passing.
Her commitment to balancing motherhood with a demanding media career makes her relatable to many viewers, especially working parents who see their own challenges mirrored in her life.
Personality and Public Presence
Beyond her newsroom role, Kelly Foran is known for her approachable humour and outdoorsy lifestyle. Her social-media bios—“Outdoors lover Wannabe astronaut ”—sum up the optimistic, adventurous spirit that defines her off-camera life.
She is active on X (formerly Twitter) as @KellyForan and on Instagram as @kelly__foran, where she engages warmly with followers, sharing snippets from work and everyday life. Her authenticity has helped build a loyal audience across platforms, combining professional credibility with personal openness.
Why Kelly Foran Matters in British Broadcasting
Kelly Foran’s impact lies in her consistency. In an era of rapidly changing media, she remains a steady, trusted reporter with a distinctive Northern voice. Her stories often focus on people—highlighting courage, hardship, or humour within ordinary communities.
Her ability to shift seamlessly from hard news to light-hearted human pieces reflects a complete journalist: empathetic, articulate, and grounded. Viewers across Britain recognise her as someone who tells stories with heart, not hype.
Kelly Foran Wikipedia Status
As of 2025, Kelly Foran does not yet have an official Wikipedia page. However, her expanding portfolio and national visibility make it only a matter of time before one appears. For now, most verified details come from her BBC News, ITV News, and LinkedIn profiles, supported by her social-media accounts.
Quick Facts About Kelly Foran
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelly Foran |
| Born | May 1985 (approx. 13 May) |
| Age (2025) | 40 years |
| Birth Place | Manchester / North-West England |
| Nationality | British |
| Parents | Sean Foran (late), Jackie Foran |
| Husband | Matt Harvey (PE Teacher) |
| Children | Ella and Evelyn Harvey |
| Current Employer | BBC News / BBC North West Tonight |
| Previous Employer | ITV National News (2022-2025) |
| Education | St Bede’s College, Manchester |
| Notable Trait | Outdoors lover, authentic storyteller |
Final Reflection on Kelly Foran
In every sense, Kelly Foran embodies the resilience and authenticity of Northern journalism. Her journey—from humble community-radio beginnings to the forefront of BBC reporting—demonstrates what dedication and empathy can achieve. She balances the weight of news with warmth, humour, and humanity.
As she continues broadcasting from MediaCity UK, Kelly Foran remains one of Britain’s most relatable and respected reporters—proving that great journalism begins not with fame, but with heart.
FAQs
1. Who is Kelly Foran?
Kelly Foran is a British journalist and television presenter best known for her work with BBC North West Tonight and previously with ITV National News as the North of England Reporter. Based in Manchester’s MediaCity UK, she covers social-affairs, community and regional news stories that resonate with audiences across the UK.
2. How old is Kelly Foran and when was she born?
According to her own public birthday posts, Kelly Foran turned 40 in May 2025, placing her date of birth around May 1985. She often celebrates her birthday with gratitude, balancing newsroom duties with time spent alongside her family in Manchester.
3. Who is Kelly Foran’s husband and does she have children?
Kelly Foran is married to Matt Harvey, a physical-education teacher in Manchester. The couple married on 31 March 2012 and have two daughters, Ella and Evelyn. Both parents share a love for the outdoors, sport and family life.
4. Where was Kelly Foran born and what is her background?
She was born and raised in the North-West of England, with deep family roots in the Manchester region and Irish heritage. Kelly Foran attended St Bede’s College, Manchester, before beginning her broadcasting career on community radio stations such as Wythenshawe FM.
5. Is Kelly Foran back at the BBC?
Yes. After working as North of England Reporter for ITV News from 2022 to 2025, Kelly Foran returned to the BBC News team in March 2025. She currently serves as a Reporter and Presenter for BBC North West Tonight, once again broadcasting from MediaCity UK.
