Former CBBC Broom Cupboard presenter Philippa Forrester, 55, shared her heartbreak after her marriage to wildlife cameraman Charlie Hamilton James ended in 2020
BBC star Philippa Forrester was left devastated after her marriage ended, to the point where she wished a bear would eat her. The former CBBC presenter, now 55, opened up about her heartbreak following her split from wildlife cameraman Charlie Hamilton James in 2020, which resulted in her moving back to Bristol from America with her three kids.
Philippa, also recognised for her work on Tomorrow’s World, Robot Wars and Crufts, revealed that while living in Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, she often encountered “grizzlies in the garden”. Back in April, she said: “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.”
Philippa is best known for being the first long-term female presenter in Children’s BBC’s Broom Cupboard, where she shared duties with Toby Anstis for four years. She also gained recognition for her work on Tomorrow’s World and Crufts. Philippa was a pit reporter on the popular BBC show, Robot Wars for several years, featuring in series one to three and five to six, before Jayne Middlemiss took over in series seven. The TV star also hosted the show’s spin-off, Robot Wars Revealed.
Over the years, Philippa has presented a number of popular programmes including Barking Mad, Bang Goes the Theory and Harvest. She has also produced several shows – Natural World, Halcyon River Diaries, Mutual of Ohama’s Wild Kingdom and An Otter in the Family. Her Instagram bio reads: “Presenter, Author, Conservationist, Storytelling coach and Mum.”
Not only a familiar face on TV, but she has also made her mark as an author, boasting multiple books under her belt. She shared her delight with followers on Instagram about her latest literary work Amazing Animal Journeys last February, stating: “I had great fun writing this book. It’s crammed full of animal stories to share – for little kids and big kids too! I hope you enjoy! Out today in all good bookshops and online.”
In September 2013, she became the co-host of BBC’s Harvest, providing audiences with insights into Britain’s crop yield season. By January 2022, she transitioned to presenting a YouTube series delving into electric vehicles, supported by Hendy.
