Former CBBC presenter Philippa Forrester has opened up about the heartbreaking end of her marriage, revealing she was so devastated she wished a bear would eat her. The 55-year-old, known for her work on Tomorrow's World, Robot Wars and Crufts, split from wildlife cameraman Charlie Hamilton James in 2020, prompting her return to the UK from America with her three children.
Speaking about her emotional state while living in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming, Forrester said she often encountered 'grizzlies in the garden'. In April, she recalled: 'My return to the UK, between lockdowns, from the wilds of Wyoming was utterly dismal. I would have very much appreciated a grizzly bear incident to finish me off, but no such luck in the wilds of south Gloucestershire.'
Forrester made history as the first long-term female presenter in Children's BBC's Broom Cupboard, sharing duties with Toby Anstis for four years. She also gained recognition as a pit reporter on Robot Wars for several series and hosted its spin-off, Robot Wars Revealed. Her other presenting credits include Barking Mad, Bang Goes the Theory and Harvest.
Beyond presenting, Forrester has produced shows such as Natural World and Halcyon River Diaries, and authored multiple books. In February, she celebrated the release of Amazing Animal Journeys, describing it as 'crammed full of animal stories to share'. Her Instagram bio describes her as a 'Presenter, Author, Conservationist, Storytelling coach and Mum'.
