Simon Parkin, who became a household name as a presenter from the iconic BBC Broom Cupboard, has since carved out a diverse career spanning weather presenting, radio, and even acting in horror films. The 57-year-old began his broadcasting journey on hospital radio before landing a slot on the children's programme in 1987, just five months later.
Parkin recalled his disbelief at landing the national TV role, telling thebroomcupboard.co.uk: 'I really couldn’t believe that I was there. I really didn’t have any training. But it was a very relaxed, friendly place in which to be and learn.' He credited Andi Peters with helping him hone his presenting skills, describing their collaboration as a 'really good, energised period of my life'.
After five years at the BBC, Parkin moved to ITV's GMTV as children's presenter, later fronting weather reports on Meridian despite having no meteorological background. He presented the nightly news weather until 2017, having been assured he didn't need to understand the science.
Now living in Somerset with his wife Celina, their two children and dog Pebble, Parkin has returned to radio, presenting the weekday show 'Simon Parkin in the Morning' on BBC Somerset. He has also ventured into acting, appearing in horror films such as 'Grindsploitation 666' and 'Maneater' in 2018, and playing the lead role of a radio presenter in the 2020 film 'Dead Air'.
