Latest news with #KayBurley
Irish Examiner
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Culture That Made Me: Zara King reveals her heroes and touchstones
Zara King, 36, was born in Cork, but grew up on Dunmore Rd, Co Waterford. She studied journalism at Griffith College Cork. In 2010, she joined iRadio Ireland as a news and sports journalist. She later worked with several radio and TV stations, including Newstalk, before joining Virgin Media as a TV news reporter in 2017. Last year, she was appointed Virgin Media's southern news correspondent. Kay Burley I didn't watch much television growing up because I was always riding horses, but there was TV news and current affairs on in the background in the house. My grandmother – living near Courtmacsherry in Cork – had Sky on all the time in her house. Kay Burley, recently retired after 36 years in broadcasting, was on TV from as long as I can remember. She was the face of some of the biggest world events in history. You knew when Sky dispatched Kay Burley onto the ground somewhere, this was going to be a big, international story. Alex Crawford Alex Crawford of Sky News. The correspondent I most admired, as a 15-year-old, was Alex Crawford. She's a special correspondent with Sky who has been to all the war-torn places, to the remotest parts of the world. She exemplifies truth-telling and giving voice to those who don't have one. I'm in awe of her bravery, her resilience, her storytelling. She always puts people at the centre of how she tells her stories. I find that style, that way of news really appealing. She's an icon of our time. Rafters In college in Cork, I lived across the road from St Fin Barre's Cathedral, within walking distance of Washington Street where there were great nightclubs. It wasn't uncommon for myself and my friends to be watching The West Wing box set and take a notion at 10 o'clock. We'd run upstairs and get the lipstick on and we'd be down in Suas, a little cocktail bar off Washington Street, by 11 o'clock, for a cocktail. Then over to Rafters for a dance – this night club called Rafters because it was in the rafters of a building., Back up home by whatever time and then we'd be in our lectures for nine. It was a lovely time in our lives. Spice Girls My favourite gig of all time was the Spice Girls reunion concert. I was a child of the '90s when the Spice Girls were at their peak. The concert was pure nostalgia. The Spice Girls had girls of my generation believing there was nothing we couldn't achieve. That idea of girl power. We really felt that so when they announced that reunion tour gig at Croke Park, I was 100 percent intent on going. I went with one of my best friends from college. We had the time of our lives. Nothing has topped it since, and I don't think anything will. It was brilliant. Succession Succession is so well made. The production values are unreal. The characters are dislikable and yet I adore them. I love the character, Tom, Siobhan's husband. He's such a devious character, but there's something endearing about him. He never minds other people being collateral damage for his advancement. He's unapologetic about his ambition. 'You can't make a Tomlette without breaking some Greggs.' The West Wing The West Wing is my favourite box set of all time. I started watching it in college so there's nostalgia around it. My friends and I who lived together in college binge watched it. There's something comforting about going back to a box set of characters you knew before at a different time. It's like bumping into old friends. I love the idea of getting behind-the-scenes insight into the White House. It's not something you get to see every day. Graham Norton My favourite books, which are not work-related, but chill-out books, are Graham Norton's. Many are set in West Cork. I devoured his most recent one, Frankie, within a day. It was brilliant. It's set in New York. The stories are not what you think they're going to be on the face of it. I love that. There's interesting twists and turns and complex characters and heart in them. His style of writing is so descriptive you almost feel like you're sitting, smelling and tasting the things his characters go through. His & Hers Emily Rose McHugh, a participant in His & Hers, with director Ken Wardrop. Picture Patrick O'Leary An Irish documentary, which was made in 2009, is His & Hers. It has stayed with me. It was produced by Ken Wardrop. It's a simple concept. Women of all ages – from a little girl who can just about speak right up to a lady at the senior point of her life – talking about relationships with the men in their lives. They never reveal anybody's name. It's a series of these women just saying, 'He does this, he does that.' In some moments, you realise the person they're talking about is now gone. It's gorgeous storytelling, a lovely piece of Irish filmmaking. Running from Politics Eoghan Murphy is a former housing minister. His book Running from Office: How to Fail at Politics is about his time in office and why he got out of politics. It's a searingly honest account of what happened, and the pressures he experienced. At times, you're reading it and thinking, oh, I can't believe you're admitting this. That honesty is admirable. He lifts the lid on the reality of life in politics – the sense of responsibility people in positions of power have, not just to the public, but to individuals who get them into office, those who canvassed for them. Sometimes loyalty to those people probably keeps them in office, in his case longer than he might have wanted to stay. It's an interesting read. Endgame About three years ago, I went with my colleague and good friend, Muireann O'Connell, to see a Samuel Beckett play at Dublin's Gate Theatre. It was Endgame with Robert Sheehan in it. It was amazing. Robert Sheehan is an unbelievable actor. It was a memorable night in the theatre. Documentary on One I love RTÉ's Documentary on One radio documentaries and podcasts. Each week, you never know what's going to pop up. Their topics and subject matters are so varied. There's one they made about two kids from Dublin that stowed away and made their way to New York. It's so good. I love listening to other people telling stories. The way the Doc on One team produces their stories is top class – the production, the sound quality, the sound effects are so professional. Good audio production and radio is about making you feel like you're there. You get taken on a journey. I love the Doc on One. It's a great listen. My Therapist Ghosted Me I love My Therapist Ghosted Me, Joanne McNally's podcast with Vogue Williams. A lot of women of my vintage enjoy it. Joanne McNally is so funny, observant, sharp and witty. She's hilarious in the most simple and intelligent way in equal measure. To see her star rise over the last four years, she's killing it and deservedly so – a woman in comedy at the peak of her powers, selling out huge runs at Vicar Street. Amazing. I love her podcast.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Sky News' Kay Burley poses alongside rarely seen son as she announces big move
Former Sky News star Kay Burley posed alongside her son and shared snaps from over the years as they bid farewell from their family home and prepared to move on to pastures new Kay Burley smiled alongside her son, Alexander 'Wolfie' Kutner, as they bid farewell to their family home. The 64-year-old former Sky News host reflected on her time in the home that is located in a historic village within the boundaries of Greater London. Kay, who was married to businessman Steve Kutner in the early 1990s, and shares her only child with him, took to social media to mark the "end of an era". The TV star uploaded a number of photographs on Instagram showing herself and her son at vairious points over the decades. Snaps also showed Kay testing out her guitar skills, and their adorable family dog leaning in for snaps too. Uploading the images on Friday, Kay wrote: "End of an era. Moving day from Harrow on the Hill." The news reporter continued: "I have spent half my life in this street and my son @wolfiekutner has spent his whole life here. He went to school a stone's throw away from the front door and we often had a house full of his schoolmates playing cricket in the garden. "I spent most of my working life at Sky based in this street. I remember being woken by my head of news and driving up the road in the dark on 31st August, 1997 not knowing what the day would bring - it was the morning Diana died." She added: "We will leave many memories behind." The collection of images drew attention from fans as they rarely see her with her son. Wolfie has a number of social media accounts that suggest he deals in luxury cars and luxury watches. Meanwhile, Kay appears to be easing herself into retirement life. In February this year it was revealed that Kay was retiring from Sky News after an impressive 36 years of service. Recapping highlights from her career at the station, the star signed out from her breakfast show for the final time that month. She told viewers: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - it's time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome." She went on to vow that she would keep fans in her life by sharing updates via social media - a promise she has gamely kept since bowing out from the spotlight.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Kay Burley shares snap with rarely seen son Wolfie as they move out of family home after her exit from Sky News
PROUD mum Kay Burley today shared a snap of her rarely seen son Wolfie as they moved out of the family home, following her exit from Sky News. The broadcaster's hosted her final programme in February, and is now marking another new chapter in her life. 7 7 7 After adjusting to life in retirement, Kay, 64, has now taken the plunge and is moving out of the family home. To celebrate an "end of an era" the former journalist posted a slew of pics of her with her son Wolfie, 32. Kay shares her only child - who's real name is Alexander - with her ex-husband, Steve Kutner. Captioning the heartwarming snaps, she wrote: "End of an era. Moving day from Harrow on the Hill. "I have spent half my life in this street and my son @wolfiekutner has spent his whole life here. "He went to school a stone's throw away from the front door and we often had a house full of his schoolmates playing cricket in the garden. I\" spent most of my working life at Sky based in this street. I remember being woken by my head of news and driving up the road in the dark on 31st August, 1997 not knowing what the day would bring - it was the morning Diana died. "We will leave many memories behind. LEAVING SKY NEWS Kay announced she was leaving Sky News on her final show in February. Addressing viewers at the end of the show, she said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. Sky News in major hosting shake up as multiple stars are replaced while another is forced to present alone "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer 's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! 7 7 "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch." CAREER IN THE SPOTLIGHT Before leaving in February, Kay had hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019. She first joined Sky when it launched in 1988 and claims to have hosted more live television than any other broadcaster. 7 Kay soon became the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the death of Princess Diana, the births of the Royal babies and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sky bosses took Kay off air for six months in 2020 after her birthday bash flouted Coronavirus lockdown rules at the time with the anchor apologising for the "error of judgement". As well as hosting live TV, Burley published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012. The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television. She then joined ITV 's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Anne Diamond during their maternity leave.
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Kay Burley shares snap with rarely seen son Wolfie as they move out of family home after her exit from Sky News
PROUD mum Kay Burley today shared a snap of her rarely seen son Wolfie as they moved out of the family home, following her exit from Sky News. The 7 Kay Burley shared a sweet picture with her son Wolfie, as they moved home Credit: Instagram 7 The broadcaster revealed they were leaving their home that has so many 'memories' Credit: Instagram 7 It comes as Kay retired from Sky News after 36 years this year Credit: Matt Frost 7 The broadcaster's last show on Sky News Breakfast was in February Credit: Sky News After adjusting to life in retirement, Kay, 64, has now taken the plunge and is moving out of the family home. To celebrate an "end of an era" the former journalist posted a slew of pics of her with her son Wolfie, 32. Kay shares her only child - who's real name is Alexander - with her ex-husband, Steve Kutner. Captioning the heartwarming snaps, she wrote: "End of an era. Moving day from Harrow on the Hill. Read more on Kay Burley "I have spent half my life in this street and my son @wolfiekutner has spent his whole life here. "He went to school a stone's throw away from the front door and we often had a house full of his schoolmates playing cricket in the garden. I" spent most of my working life at Sky based in this street. I remember being woken by my head of news and driving up the road in the dark on 31st August, 1997 not knowing what the day would bring - it was the morning Diana died. "We will leave many memories behind. Most read in News TV LEAVING SKY NEWS Addressing viewers at the end of the show, she said: "From a standing start to one of the most recognised and valued brands in global news, it's been an honour and privilege to work with some of the best and hardest working teams in the business. Sky News in major hosting shake up as multiple stars are replaced while another is forced to present alone "News by its very nature is often devastating and together we've covered so many life-changing events - from the tragic death of Diana, the shocking terror attack of 9/11; the Asian Tsunami; the Concorde air disaster. "But we've also enjoyed some wonderful high notes too, haven't we - the thrill of London winning the chance to host the 2012 Olympics; a plethora of royal weddings; jubilees and who can forget days and days and DAYS waiting for royal babies to arrive at the Lindo Wing. "But after over a million minutes of live TV news - more than anyone else in the world - its time for me to indulge in some of my other passions - including my love for travel. "So, after covering 12 separate general elections - including Sir Keir Starmer's victory last year - I am retiring from Sky News - let politicians of every party just rejoice at that news! 7 Kay said leaving the house was an 'end of an era' Credit: Instagram 7 Kay was the face of Sky News for major world events Credit: Sky "Thank you for waking up and tuning in every morning. I can't tell you how much I have appreciated your support over the last three and a half decades: You're awesome. "I will post more on my social media and hope to see you around. Please keep in touch." CAREER IN THE SPOTLIGHT Before leaving in February, Kay had hosted the 24-hour rolling news channel's breakfast programme for the last five years, moving from her afternoon slot in 2019. She first joined Sky when it launched in 1988 and claims to have hosted more live television than any other broadcaster. 7 The broadcaster was part of the team which launched Sky News in 1989. Pictured in 2005 Credit: Sky Kay soon became the face of Sky News for major world events, such as the As well as hosting live TV, Burley published her debut novel, First Ladies in 2011, which was followed by her second book Betrayal in 2012. The anchor's career first started in BBC local radio and Tyne Tees Television. She then joined ITV's TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. From 1987, she presented TV-am's first hour, filling in for Caroline Righton and covering for
The Independent
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Kay Burley thanks well-wishers for their ‘support' after retiring from Sky News
Broadcaster Kay Burley has thanked well-wishers for their 'support and kind words' after she announced her retirement from Sky News. Burley revealed she was leaving the channel after 36 years at the end of her breakfast programme on Wednesday, which was her last day on air with the broadcaster. The veteran journalist, 64, shared photos and videos from her leaving party to Instagram on Thursday which featured a cake with an image on it of her alongside Sky bosses when the news channel was launched in 1989. Alongside a post, Burley wrote: 'What a day. Surrounded by some of my most treasured people and fuelled by exquisite canapes by Oscars chef @elliottgrover. 'It's been a thing. Off to my beloved Africa next week and then on to the next chapter. 'Thanks for all your support and kind words everyone.' In a video clip, the presenter could be seen trying to cut her face out of her leaving cake. However, she realised she was going to cut the head of media mogul Rupert Murdoch in the process, but managed to cut around him. Burley was one of the original presenters who helped launch Sky News in 1989 and she has presented the morning slot since 2019. Following her retirement announcement, a host of fellow journalists paid tribute to her career and thanked her for 'smashing the ceilings'. Sky News political editor Beth Rigby hailed her as a 'trailblazer and inspiration to a whole generation of women' while BBC journalist Victoria Derbyshire said Burley has 'blazed an absolute trail' for female journalists. Resharing the post by Derbyshire, Burley wrote: 'Thanks love. Carry the torch xx' Sky News presenter Sophy Ridge also said she had 'learned so much' from Burley, adding: 'Thanks for smashing the ceilings.' Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid said that Burley is 'a fierce advocate for viewers, a powerful interviewer and a supporter of women in television'. In response to this, Burley said: 'Thank you my dear friend. Women who support other women are a special breed.' Raised in Wigan, Lancashire, Burley took her first steps into journalism reporting for the Wigan Evening Post and Chronicle aged 17. She later secured a job with the BBC on its local radio stations and then Tyne Tees Television, before joining the now defunct TV-am in 1985 as a reporter and occasional newsreader. Burley was recruited for the fledgling Sky News in 1989 as one of its founding presenters. In September 2018, the broadcaster was given her own show on Sky News as part of a major shake-up at the channel and a year later she moved to the breakfast-time slot.
