Katherine Forster: From Acting to Political Correspondence at GB News
Katherine Forster is a name that has become increasingly prominent in British political journalism. Best known today as the Political Correspondent at GB News, she has built a reputation for sharp political analysis, fearless reporting, and the ability to connect with audiences far beyond Westminster. Yet her journey to this role is far from conventional. From an early career in acting to raising three children before returning to professional life, Katherine’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and determination.
In this article, we will explore Katherine Forster’s background, education, family life, and professional journey. We will also look at her notable work as a political correspondent and the qualities that have made her one of the standout journalists of her generation.
Early Life and Education
Yorkshire Roots
Katherine Forster is proud of her northern heritage. Coming from Yorkshire, she has consistently stressed the importance of looking beyond the Westminster bubble and addressing the issues that matter to people across the country. Her upbringing instilled in her a sense of groundedness that continues to influence her journalism today.
Academic Background
Katherine attended St Aidan’s C of E High School in Harrogate. Excelling academically, she achieved four A levels — all at grade A — in English Literature, History, French and General Studies. She also gained nine O levels, all at grade A, before the introduction of A* grades.
She went on to study English Literature at the University of Sheffield, graduating with a 2:1 BA degree in 1991. During her time there, she cultivated the writing skills and literary insight that would later prove invaluable when she transitioned into journalism.
Early Career in Acting
Before moving into journalism, Katherine worked as an actor. Acting is famously competitive, with only a small percentage of actors in paid work at any given time. Like many in the profession, she combined acting with promotional and casual jobs to make ends meet.
While her work as an actor gave her confidence and presentation skills, Katherine soon found that the unpredictable hours and low pay made it challenging to balance acting with family life. When she started having children, she made the decision to step back from acting in order to focus on raising her boys.
Family Life
Marriage and Children
Katherine has always been open about the importance of her family. She is a mother of three sons. While she does not publicly share details of her husband or partner, she has often written about how raising her boys was central to her life for many years.
Her sons include Matthew and Andrew, who came to public attention in 2024 when they were rescued after going missing during a hike on Bali’s Mount Agung. At the time of the incident, Matthew was 22 and Andrew was 18. Her third son has remained out of the public eye.
A Devoted Mother
For fifteen years, Katherine dedicated herself to full-time motherhood. She has described how she threw herself into family life, from playing imaginative games with her children to becoming a school governor at both primary and secondary level. This period shaped her understanding of the importance of family, education, and community, values she carries with her into her journalism.
Returning to Work: From Motherhood to Journalism
A Bold Restart
After more than a decade devoted to her children, Katherine began to long for the career she had never fully pursued. She had always been drawn to both acting and journalism but had chosen family over professional ambitions. At the age of 48, she decided to try again.
In 2017, she applied for an internship at The Spectator. The magazine’s unconventional selection process — which asked for writing samples instead of CVs — gave Katherine the chance to showcase her talent without her age or career break becoming a barrier. Her application was successful, and this moment became the springboard for her second career.
Breakthrough at The Spectator
Katherine’s first published piece at The Spectator was about her experience as an older intern. The article became the magazine’s twelfth most-read piece of the year. Her honest, witty reflections on starting again struck a chord with readers and opened doors in the industry.
Her work soon extended beyond The Spectator. She contributed to The Sunday Times, the Evening Standard, and appeared on BBC radio and television, where her fresh perspective and engaging communication style were well received.
Journalism Career
The Sunday Times
In 2019, Katherine joined The Sunday Times as Assistant Editor of News Review. Her role involved shaping one of the newspaper’s most important sections, as well as contributing her own writing. She also assisted with political research and interviews for Tim Shipman’s Brexit books, further cementing her political expertise.
GB News
When GB News launched in 2021, Katherine joined the channel and quickly established herself as a key figure. She initially worked behind the scenes as a producer and editor, including serving as Editor of The Briefing with Gloria de Piero. Her skills and knowledge soon saw her move into an on-air role.
By 2022 she was reporting live on major political events, and in 2023 she was promoted to Political Correspondent. In this position, she has interviewed both Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, travelled internationally with political leaders, and covered some of the most significant stories in British politics.
Her reporting has included:
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Ten hours of live coverage outside No 10 during Liz Truss’s resignation.
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Coverage of the mini-budget and its aftermath.
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Reporting on European leaders’ reaction to Donald Trump’s election victory.
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Exclusive stories from Rishi Sunak, including one in Vienna the day before he called the election.
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A headline-grabbing interview with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Broadcasting Across Platforms
In addition to GB News, Katherine has appeared on BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio 4, 5Live, BBC World Service and Times Radio. Her versatility as both a writer and broadcaster has made her a familiar face and voice across multiple media outlets.
Age and Personal Outlook
Katherine was born in 1969, making her 56 years old in 2025. Her age is significant not only in biographical terms but also as a symbol of her inspiring career change. She began her journalism journey in her late 40s, showing that it is never too late to start again.
She has often spoken about the importance of embracing new opportunities and not being deterred by age or career breaks. Her success story has inspired many women considering returning to the workforce after raising children.
Notable Qualities
Clarity and Accessibility
Katherine’s background in acting and her years as a mother have given her the ability to communicate clearly and with warmth. She explains complex political issues in a way that resonates with a broad audience.
Resilience
Her decision to restart her career after 15 years at home reflects immense resilience. She has proven that determination and hard work can overcome traditional barriers to re-entry in competitive fields like journalism.
A Northern Perspective
As a proud Northerner, Katherine emphasises the importance of regional voices in political reporting. She has toured the UK during election campaigns and strives to ensure that her reporting reflects the concerns of voters outside London.
Conclusion
Katherine Forster’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and courage. From acting to motherhood, and finally to political journalism, she has embraced each stage of her life with energy and commitment. Today, as Political Correspondent at GB News, she plays a vital role in shaping public understanding of the political landscape.
At 56 years old, Katherine continues to prove that it is never too late to chase new ambitions. With three sons, a distinguished portfolio of journalism across leading publications, and a prominent role at one of the UK’s fastest-growing news channels, she stands as an inspiration to anyone considering a fresh start.
Her journey reminds us that careers need not follow a straight line. Sometimes, the detours — from acting, to parenting, to rejoining the workforce — create the richest stories of all.
