ITV's first female weather presenter Wincey Willis dies aged 76
Willis etched her name in history as ITV's first female national weather presenter when she joined Good Morning Britain in 1983, thanks to TV titan Greg Dyke. The chipper 34-year-old brought a fresh, animated take to the forecasts in an era dominated by more sombre presentations.
"Most people don't want to know about high pressure over the Azores," she remarked to the Liverpool Echo. "All they care about is whether they need their umbrella."
The energetic ensemble of Willis, the ever-beaming Anne Diamond, Rustie Lee with her culinary corner, and "Mad Lizzie" Webb's fitness feature propelled Good Morning Britain past BBC's Breakfast Time in viewership figures. A lover of animals, Willis even occasionally teamed up with the notorious rodent puppet sensation, Roland Rat, as her presenting responsibilities flourished.
Her pioneering efforts opened doors for subsequent female weather presenters like Trish Williamson and Ulrika Jonsson, who also expanded into other areas of television.
Originally named Florence Winsome Leighton, Willis was born in Gateshead, Co Durham, in 1948 before being adopted by Florence and Thomas Dimmock. Her quirky moniker 'Wincey' found its genesis from her middle name after classmates at her Hartlepool primary school sang Incy Wincy Spider.
Willis departed school at the age of 16, journeying to France where she successfully completed her baccalauréat before enrolling at Strasbourg University. She returned to the northeast in 1975, securing a behind-the-scenes role at Radio Tees in Stockton-on-Tees.
She transitioned into television when she was invited to audition for the position of weather presenter for Tyne Tees regional TV and a year later, she was awarded her own series on Granada titled Wincey's Pets.
At the pinnacle of her career, during the mid-80s, she featured on the game show Treasure Hunt alongside Anneka Rice. A contract dispute led Willis to resign from TV-am in 1987, after which her television career largely came to a halt.
In the following years, she dedicated her time as a conservation volunteer aiding endangered species globally. Wincey also hosted radio shows for BBC Coventry & Warwickshire and for BBC Hereford & Worcester.
Her marriage to Malcolm Willis in 1972 ended in divorce. In recent years, Willis battled with dementia.
Her passing on December 18 last year was publicly announced this week.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Where is Heartbeat's Nick Berry and the rest of the cast now? From tragic deaths to co-star romance
Heartbeat was a staple of British television for nearly two decades. So what happened to the likes of Nick Berry, Tricia Penrose, and Mark Jordan after the North Yorkshire-based show ended? The beloved ITV series spanned 18 seasons, and despite ending in 2010, the long-standing police period drama Heartbeat is still a cornerstone of British television to this day. Airing for nearly two decades, the show spawned numerous spin-offs and one-off television specials, which is a true reflection of its popularity with viewers. Fans followed the lives of those who lived in the fictional North Yorkshire village of Aidensfield during the 1960s and the well-respected local policemen and villagers as they grappled with crime, community tensions, and personal dramas. In the very beginning, we were met with the charming PC Nick Rowan, played by Nick Berry, who was attempting to adapt to his new rural lifestyle after moving from London and joining the Yorkshire force. With the show off air for more than 15 years now, we couldn't help but wonder what the actors of the much-loved programme are doing today. PC Nick Rowan Nick Berry portrayed the renowned London police constable who relocated to the fictional town of Aidensfield, North Yorkshire, to live a more peaceful life after fleeing bustling London. He moved to the village alongside his wife, Dr. Kate Rowan, and the pair very quickly became vital members of the town, helping to tackle crime and assisting with medical emergencies. Notably, Nick also performed the show's iconic theme tune, a cover of the Buddy Holly hit that shared its title with the show also helped to rocket his fame with the track reaching number two in the UK singles charts in 1992. In 1998, viewers were left gutted when his character was written out of the beloved programme. The policeman decided to flee for Canada to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which formed the basis for the one-off special Heartbeat: Changing Places. He went on to further his acting career, taking on a vital role in the 1999 drama series Harbour Lights and starring in the 2001 crime drama In Deep. After In Deep finished in 2003, Nick announced he'd be taking a break from acting to focus on his family and other ventures, including his own production company. Prior to landing his role as Nick Berry on the popular ITV series, he'd actually played the part of Simon Wicks on BBC One's hit soap EastEnders. Despite taking a break from acting, he did go on to make a special appearance as his former character, Simon, in 2012, which was his last and final TV stint since being on screens from 1976. It is well documented that Nick married Rachel Robertson in 1994. The pair like to keep their private lives out of the spotlight. They share two sons and live in Epping, Essex. Gina Bellamy The landlady of the Aidensfield Arms, Gina Bellamy, was played by Tricia Penrose from 1993 until the ITV drama came to its end in 2010. Tricia played a vital role and was the show's longest-serving female cast member. Not only was Gina a popular fixture on the programme for 60s fashion and her incredible acting skills, but she also gave fans some amazing vocal performances during her long-standing career In 2002, Tricia followed the path of her co-star Nick Berry and tried her hand in the singing world. She placed second on the show A Song For Europe, the UK's competition to select their Eurovision entry. Despite her song DJ Romeo being a huge hit with fans and judges, she was pipped to first place by Jessica Garlick, who represented Great Britain that year in the Eurovision Song Contest. Her last notable acting role was in the popular legal drama Justice in 2011, but she has also appeared in series 11 of Celebrity Big Brother and ITV's Who's Doing the Dishes in 2014. Tricia also got engaged to her on-screen love interest, PC Phil Bellamy, and the twosome recently announced their engagement on social media. The actress shared: "My lovely Chris has proposed on our 7 year anniversary! Off to Tenerife now with my lovely fiancé to celebrate Mark Jordon." PC Phil Bellamy Mark Jordan played the charming, laid-back PC Phil Bellamy, who worked alongside Nick Berry and fell in love with Gina, not only on screen but also in real life. He joined the show for its first series in 1992 and remained in the cast for fifteen years. A one-off documentary commemorating his departure, Heartbeat – Farewell Phil, was broadcast on Christmas Day in 2007. After his departure, Mark took up roles in medical drama Casualty in 2009 and joined Hollyoaks in 2012. He also became a series regular in Emmerdale in 2017, taking the role of Staff Sergeant Daz Spencer. In his spare time, Mark is devoted to his charity work for Usher syndrome and often uses his social media pages to raise awareness, in the hope of finding a cure Alf Ventress William Simons landed the accolade for the longest-standing member of the Heartbeat tribe, delighting viewers with his portrayal of the retired policeman for a complete 18-season journey. Before his role on the ITV drama, William appeared in the police drama Cribb in 1979 and the detective series The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries in 1990. His acting contributions also included various cameo appearances on programmes such as Coronation Street, The Darling Buds of May, Casualty, and Enemy at the Door. In 2019, it was announced that William had tragically died at the age of 79 of "natural causes" with his management agency paying tribute. They said: "He was a wonderful, kind, warm, witty, lovely human being and anyone who ever worked with him or knew him will be devastated." Claude Jeremiah Greengrass Every Heartbeat fan had a love-hate relationship with the charming scoundrel Claude Jeremiah Greengrass, played by the talented Bill Maynard. He joined the programme from its very inception and remained a valued part of the cast until 2000, when his character returned for the Royal spin-off series in 2002. Before his days on Heartbeat, Bill had already been somewhat of a TV legend as an actor and comedian and having starred in Great Scott – It's Maynard! the 50s with Terry Scott, and featured in five pictures from the Carry On comedy series. In 2018, we saw Bill in his last TV appearance, taking part in the Celebrity Pointless, before his tragic death in the same year. Bill's last TV appearance was on an episode of Celebrity Pointless in 2018, before he suffered a tragic fall, breaking his hip, and later sadly died that same year in hospital. Dr. Kate Rowan Niamh Cusack played the lovable Dr. Kate Rowan, the village doctor and first wife of heartthrob Nick Berry. But after three years on the show, she fell pregnant and decided to leave the ITV drama to focus on becoming a new mum. In real life, Niamh was born into a family with deep roots within the performing arts industry and is affiliated to the Royal Shakespeare Company, she played Desdemona in Othello and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet during the 80s. She also landed the role of Lady Macbeth in 2018 alongside Christopher Eccleston in Macbeth. She has recently appeared in We Live in Time, last year, 2024, alongside Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, as well as the dark comedy series Big Mood, also in 2024.
Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Gary Lineker did not give his Match of the Day successors any presenting tips after he was sacked from the BBC
Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker did not give any presenting tips to his successors after he was sacked from the BBC. The 64-year-old left the corporation after sharing a pro-Palestine Instagram video featuring a rat emoji, with critics accusing him of promoting a well-known anti-Semitic slur. He later apologised, but the post was the latest in a string of social media controversies over his views on the Gaza conflict. The row brought his £1.4million BBC deal to an end, and he has since reportedly signed a lucrative contract with ITV to front a new celebrity game show. In his place, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share hosting duties on the flagship football programme for the new Premier League season, with only one of the trio fronting each week's show. Chapman has now revealed what Lineker told him since being sacked by the BBC. The former presenter reportedly told Chapman that in an interview, he was asked if he had given us any tips. Chapman described his conversation with Lineker, telling RadioTimes: 'And he (Lineker) said, "Why? What? What on earth would I be doing phoning you three up to offer you tips? Why would I be deemed to be that arrogant to do that?" In his place, Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share hosting duties on the flagship football programme 'Experience-wise, we've all been doing it for a long time…' The Daily Mail approached Gary Lineker and the BBC for comment. According to the Telegraph, Chapman will host the show and be joined by pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. Cates, meanwhile, is scheduled to host the BBC's coverage of European football next week. The new presenters have pledged to steer clear of controversial social media posts in line with the BBC's impartiality rules, a marked contrast to Lineker's approach. The 64-year-old presenter was visibly moved by a seven-minute tribute featuring the likes of Pep Guardiola, Virgil van Dijk, Ian Wright, and even Andrea Bocelli. He hosted his final show in May and hinted at the start that it 'wasn't meant to end this way' after being axed. The antisemitism row was understood to have been the final straw for BBC bosses after years of outspoken political commentary, from attacking government immigration policy to likening official rhetoric to 1930s Germany. The long-standing sports presenter has been at the helm of Match of the Day for 25 seasons but was due to step down at the end of this season even prior to this latest controversy In an interview with The New World, he was asked if his departure was his own decision or a case of being pushed, and he replied: 'the latter'. In 2023, he branded the Illegal Migration Bill 'immeasurably cruel' when sharing a video of former home secretary Suella Braverman. His comments caused a backlash from politicians, and he was temporarily removed from his presenting duties due to the breach of impartiality guidelines But a boycott by fellow pundits and commentators forced the BBC to reinstate him, but this latest controversy saw him finally removed from his role on Match of the Day. Lineker was a vocal opponent of Brexit and in 2018 backed the campaign for another EU referendum, saying it felt like it was 'going very wrong indeed'. As well as criticising Brexit, Lineker bemoaned 'the absolute state of our politics', adding: 'Imagine how hopeless you'd have to be to still be behind the Tory party in the polls.' BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew hit back, accusing Lineker of breaking editorial guidelines. He posted on X: 'Gary. You are the face of BBC Sport. Please observe BBC editorial guidelines and keep your political views, whatever they are and whatever the subject, to yourself. I'd be sacked if I followed your example. Thanks.'
Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Noel Edmonds buys British property after reality show about New Zealand estate is brutally axed by ITV - despite rave reviews from critics and fans
Noel Edmonds has bought a house in the UK after his reality show about his New Zealand estate was axed by ITV - despite rave reviews from critics and fans. The three-part series, Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure, hit the channel on June 20th. The show followed the former Deal Or No Deal host, 76, as he showcased his new life in the Island Country alongside wife Elizabeth Davies, 55. But earlier this month it was confirmed that ITV bosses pulled the plug after just one serie s. Now the telly legend has purchased a home in the Isle of Man - and has plans to spend time both there and in New Zealand. Noel told Manx Radio: 'I came for the very first time three years ago, and when you consider I lived in the UK all my life and I knew where it was geographically, I don't know why I didn't come before. 'I have purchased a property on the island, and I intend to spend some of the year here, but my principal home is New Zealand.' 'What's drawn me to the Smile of Man… you're bloody proud of the island, you're proud of the community, and across the water there [in the UK], you don't get that anymore,' he added. The Isle of Man is not classified as part of the UK or EU as it a self-governing British Crown Dependency. There is a population of around 84,000. Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure was a huge hit with viewers and critics alike. The star moved over to New Zealand with his wife back in 2018. The official ITVX synopsis reads: 'Noel Edmonds has moved to New Zealand to start a new life and business in a small town, but his hospitality venture faces opposition after some bad press.' According to The Sun, Noel had hoped the show would become a fixture on the channel – but that dream has now been dashed. A spokesperson for ITV confirmed to the Daily Mail on Thursday: 'There are no current plans for more new episodes but audiences can enjoy the show on ITVX.' A TV insider told The Sun: 'It's a blow to Noel as he was convinced he was on to a winning idea. 'There was a great buzz around the series and it was well received by both viewers and critics alike.' Speaking on an Instagram video, Noel said: 'There won't be anymore films on TV, however the adventure will be continuing and you'll be able to stay up to date with events in my life and what is going on at River Haven New Zealand on YouTube and social media or when you stop me in the street. 'All you seem to want to do is talk about the Kiwi Adventure! 'Looking forward to going home. But give the Isle of Man a bit of a go!' Many rushed to the comments section to share the love. 'Loved your kiwi programme. Was sad there was only 3 episodes. So glad your happy in New Zealand and doing well with your beautiful wife.' 'Absolutely Noel! You're one of the few legends from my childhood we have to hang onto quality more than eve.' 'Brilliant to see you on screen again, Noel! A true legend of the airwaves and now conquering the digital world too. Timeless talent!' 'Yes come back into a breathe of fresh air!'
