Josie D'Arby, once a familiar face on the iconic children's TV show The Broom Cupboard, has swapped the cameras for a paintbrush. The 52-year-old from Newport, Wales, recently showcased her artwork at the Newport Museum Art Gallery in 2023, marking a new chapter in her career.
D'Arby began her television career on The Broom Cupboard, a show that launched the careers of many presenters, including Phillip Schofield and Zoe Ball. She went on to present popular programmes such as Top of the Pops, Songs of Praise, and Inside Out. In 1999, she became the youngest British woman to host her own chat show, titled Josie, on Channel 5.
Her media ambitions led her to acting, with roles in Holby City, Casualty, and Doctor Who. She also appeared as a contestant on Richard Osman's House of Games and Pointless in 2022. However, D'Arby's passion for art took centre stage after she won a televised art competition. Her painting, titled Less, explores the theme of simplicity and happiness.
Before her television success, D'Arby reportedly dated Hollywood actor Gerard Butler in 2005 and went on a date with actor Joseph Fiennes in 2006. Another Broom Cupboard star, Andy Crane, now presents on Greatest Hits Radio, having also hosted Motormouth and What's Up Doc?.
