Molly Clayton – The Rising Voice of Modern British Journalism
Who is Molly Clayton?
Molly Clayton is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic young journalists, best known for her work as the Influencer Correspondent for The Daily Mail, Mail Online, and The Mail on Sunday. Her career is a testament to persistence, creativity, and modern storytelling. Over the years, she has become a respected voice in showbusiness, influencer culture, lifestyle, and investigative journalism — combining traditional reporting discipline with the fast-paced nature of digital media.
With a career that began at a remarkably young age, Molly Clayton has built a reputation for professionalism, curiosity, and an unrelenting commitment to delivering stories that both inform and inspire.
Early Life and Education of Molly Clayton
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Molly Clayton showed a passion for storytelling and communication from an early age. Her interest in media led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism from Leeds Beckett University, where she graduated with First-Class Honours.
During her studies, she achieved both BJTC and NCTJ accreditation, demonstrating her solid foundation in broadcast and print journalism standards. Her academic modules included Media Law, Television Journalism, Radio, Digital Publishing, Shorthand, and Government and Politics. These subjects equipped her with the knowledge and ethical grounding to navigate complex stories with integrity.
At Leeds Beckett, Molly Clayton was also active beyond the classroom. She served as a University Course Ambassador, representing the journalism department at events and open days. Her writing talent shone through her blogging and vlogging projects, which explored student life, social trends, and early reflections on the media world.
The Beginning of Molly Clayton’s Journalism Career
Molly Clayton’s professional journey started early. In 2013, she gained her first newsroom experience at MailOnline, where she contributed travel pieces — notably an article titled “A Teenager Sets Sail for the Canary Islands” — showcasing her early ability to craft engaging narratives.
Her dedication to learning the craft led her to various roles in the British media industry. Between 2018 and 2020, she gained invaluable experience working with BBC, ITV, talkSPORT, and Sound Branch. These internships and freelance opportunities helped her sharpen her skills in news writing, interviewing, and multimedia storytelling.
At ITV, Molly Clayton reported and produced for the 6 O’Clock News and contributed to ITV Calendar, earning praise for her initiative and creativity. Her BBC traineeship in Manchester and BBC Look East placement further strengthened her broadcast and research capabilities. These formative years provided her with the newsroom discipline and editorial insight that would define her professional identity.
Rising through the Ranks at The Daily Mail
Molly Clayton officially joined the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday as a News Reporter in September 2020. Over the next three years, she worked on high-impact investigations, exclusive stories, and consumer campaigns that positioned her as one of the publication’s most promising journalists.
Her work demanded accuracy, integrity, and speed — traits she consistently demonstrated under tight deadlines. She excelled in research and verification, interviewing experts and eyewitnesses, and collaborating with editors, photographers, and media planners to deliver complete, well-rounded stories.
From breaking news coverage to human interest features, Molly Clayton’s articles reflected her ability to balance emotional depth with factual precision. Her professionalism and sharp storytelling did not go unnoticed. In 2022, she was named Young News Reporter for The Mail on Sunday, and was nominated and later awarded as the Young Journalist of the Year and Young Campaigner of the Year — recognitions that marked a milestone in her rapidly growing career.
Showbusiness and Influencer Reporting
In January 2024, Molly Clayton advanced to become a Showbusiness Correspondent for the Daily Mail, Mail Online, and The Mail on Sunday. In this role, she covered some of the biggest entertainment stories, ranging from red-carpet events and celebrity interviews to in-depth investigations into the world of showbiz and fashion.
Her reporting combined her love for storytelling with her growing expertise in entertainment and social culture. As she developed this beat, Molly Clayton became known for balancing glamour with grit — delivering coverage that entertained while uncovering the realities behind the spotlight.
By October 2025, she was appointed Influencer Correspondent — a newly created and highly significant position within the Mail’s newsroom. This appointment reflects the media’s recognition of her insight into the fast-evolving influencer economy, a domain where Molly Clayton has already demonstrated deep understanding and originality. Her work now explores the intersections of influencer marketing, social media trends, digital ethics, and public perception, shaping how mainstream audiences understand the power of online influence.
Professional Skills and Strengths
Molly Clayton’s journalism stands out not only for its clarity and precision but also for her adaptability in a rapidly changing media environment. Her skill set spans both traditional print media and digital-first platforms, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences.
Key skills include:
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Investigative Research and fact-checking.
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Story Pitching and Creative Writing.
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Media Planning and Team Coordination.
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Public Speaking and Live Event Coverage.
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Copy Editing and Journalism Ethics.
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Digital Engagement and Social Media Strategy.
Her ability to work under pressure, meet strict deadlines, and maintain editorial excellence makes her a respected member of the Daily Mail newsroom.
Molly Clayton’s Impact and Recognition
Molly Clayton has quickly become a role model for young journalists across the UK. Her journey from a university blogger to an award-winning national reporter illustrates what determination and talent can achieve in modern journalism.
Her recognition as Young Campaigner of the Year highlights her commitment to using journalism as a tool for positive social impact. Beyond entertainment and celebrity news, she has tackled issues such as online safety, consumer rights, and the evolving ethics of influencer marketing — topics that resonate with today’s digital generation.
Through her stories, Molly Clayton has helped shape public discourse on how media influences perception, particularly in the age of social platforms.
Molly Clayton on Social Media
While Molly Clayton maintains a professional presence across various platforms, she uses social media to engage responsibly with audiences and share insights from her reporting.
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On X (formerly Twitter) as @mollclayton, she offers updates on her latest features and MailOnline coverage.
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On Instagram (@mollyroseclayton), she shares glimpses of her journalistic life, covering showbiz, fashion, beauty, and sports.
Both accounts mirror her identity as a modern journalist who bridges traditional reporting and digital storytelling.
FAQs
1. Who is Molly Clayton?
Molly Clayton is a British journalist currently working as the Influencer Correspondent for The Daily Mail, Mail Online, and The Mail on Sunday. She specialises in showbusiness, influencer culture, fashion, and lifestyle reporting.
2. What are Molly Clayton’s main achievements?
She has been recognised as the Young Journalist of the Year and Young Campaigner of the Year (2022) for her impactful reporting and commitment to socially relevant storytelling.
3. What topics does Molly Clayton cover for the Daily Mail?
Molly Clayton reports on entertainment news, celebrity interviews, influencer trends, and cultural features. Her work bridges traditional journalism with the modern digital landscape.
4. Where did Molly Clayton study journalism?
She earned a First-Class Honours Degree in Journalism from Leeds Beckett University, achieving both BJTC and NCTJ accreditation.
5. How can readers find Molly Clayton’s work?
Her articles appear on the Daily Mail and Mail Online platforms, where she regularly publishes stories related to entertainment, influencers, and lifestyle journalism.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Molly Clayton
Molly Clayton represents a new generation of British journalists — ambitious, ethical, and digitally fluent. Her progression from university blogging to becoming the Daily Mail’s Influencer Correspondent is a reflection of hard work, adaptability, and creative vision.
In a media world driven by trends and technology, she continues to prove that storytelling with integrity remains timeless. Her career embodies the evolution of journalism itself — blending truth, entertainment, and human connection.
With her growing influence in British media and her expanding portfolio across digital and print platforms, Molly Clayton is undoubtedly a journalist to watch — a voice shaping the future of modern news and cultural reporting.
