After Dinner Speakers: Tim Vincent, Paula Abdul, Meryl Streep

Born on November 4th 1972 in Wrexham, Tim Vincent began his acting career when he was 13 years old appearing in various productions at Theatre Clwyd including Animal Farm. At the age of 15 he was cast as Billy Ryan, playing an alcoholic teenager in ITV’s Children’s Ward, which was created by Paul Abbot and Kay Mellor and directed by Russell T Davis. In 1993, and after completing six series of Children’s Ward, he became the youngest presenter of the BBC’s Blue Peter. The programme afforded him numerous opportunities, not least flying a fighter jet, successfully completing the New York Marathon, travelling to South Africa during the years of Apartheid. Tim also qualified as a sports scuba diver and gained his licence to racetrack cars and motorbikes. Whilst still presenting Blue Peter he was cast as Marty in Dangerfield and performed in this BBC Drama for two series. After leaving both Blue Peter and Dangerfield Tim was the main host of The Clothes Show (BBC) for two years, BBC’s Bafta winning Short Change for three series and Attractions (Channel 5). Whilst presenting two series of Fully Booked (BBC) he also hosted TFI on Galaxy with Melanie Sykes on the Galaxy Radio Network for two series. Guest presentation work includes reporting for BBC Sport (London Marathon), hosting Big Breakfast (channel 4) in its first year, Wish You Were Here (ITV) and Disney Specials (BBC) In Barbados and Paris. In 1998 Tim co-created Naked–Media, a new company specifically developed to address the needs of Broadband television. Tim has a niche market in major corporate events and has hosted numerous blue chip events including The Clothes Show Live (NEC 1996-1998), Salon International for Wella (1998), Specsavers Look of the Year (1997-2001), Catering Awards (1998), The Retail Industry Awards (1998) and the Conde Naste Bridal Awards (1999-2000). He has also hosted the Vodaphone Spring Ball for the last three years. Tim has also starred in many pantos over the years including playing Prince Charming in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1998/99; Canterbury), Aladdin (1999/2000; Swansea), Jack the Beanstalk (2000/01; Hemel Hempstead), Aladdin (2001/02 Manchester) and Cindrella (2001/03 Southport). Over the Millennium New Year, Tim completed 36 hours of live television coverage as the main anchor for BBC Wales and had the honour of being the first person to present on BBC Wales going into the new Millennium. Tim played Adam Forrester (the Vet with the roving eye) in Emmerdale from January 2000 to Feb 2001, and appeared in his first feature film Sorted playing Justin, which co-stars Tim Curry, Jason Donovan and Matthew Rhys. During 2001, Tim regularly appeared on the So Graham Norton Show (Ch 4) and GMTV and has also filmed specials for The Discovery Channel to support the Adopt a Wild Animal Appeal. From January 2002, Tim spent six months on a UK national tour with the John Godber classic West End comedy, Bouncers. In September 2002, he will return to the stage in a modernized stage adaptation of the classic novel, Lady Chatterley’s Lover, where he played the role of Mellors.