I’m so pleased to be part of this cherished and much loved institution. Presenting The Sky at Night has brought me full circle; as a child I would beg my parents to allow me to stay up late and watch the programme. It even inspired me to go to night school at a young age to make my own telescope mirror, which I lovingly crafted and gave me my first glimpse of the breath-taking spectacle above us. This enthusiasm eventually led to a degree in Physics and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and then working on the wonderful 8m Gemini telescope in Chile, as well as the James Webb Space Telescope. Growing up, I always wanted to be an astronaut - I haven’t succeeded in doing that (yet!) but being a space scientist is the next best thing because I’m building instruments that go into space. I’m very lucky to have found work I enjoy so much and that is also so varied – not just building equipment that goes into space but also talking about it. I like to pass on my enthusiasm when I can. But I haven’t given up on that dream; I want to retire to Mars. Some people choose gardening, I choose Mars!
Series | Strangest Things | Self - Space Scientist | 2021-05-28 |
Series | I Literally Just Told You | Self - Question Writer | 2021-12-16 |
Series | The Infinite Monkey Cage | Panellist | 2020-02-12 |
Series | Michael McIntyre's The Wheel | Self - Expert | 2020-11-28 |
Series | Richard Osman's House of Games | Self - Contestant | 2017-09-04 |
Series | Robot Wars | Self | 2016-07-24 |
Series | Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit | Unknown | 2016-09-05 |
Movie | In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World | Herself - Presenter | 2012-03-25 |
Movie | The Science of Doctor Who | 2012-08-04 | |
Series | Celebrity Antiques Road Trip | Self - Participant | 2011-10-24 |
Movie | Do We Really Need the Moon? | Host | 2011-02-01 |
Series | Pointless Celebrities | Self - Contestant | 2011-07-04 |
Series | Would I Lie to You? | Self | 2007-06-16 |
Series | QI | Self | 2003-09-11 |
Series | The Sky at Night | Self - Presenter | 1957-04-24 |