Gethin Jones | |
|---|---|
| Born | Gethin Clifford Jones |
| Occupation | Television presenter |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
Gethin Clifford Jones (born 12 February 1978) is a Welsh television presenter best known for co-presenting the long-running BBC children's show Blue Peter.
An active rugby union player when at the Manchester Metropolitan University and for a time after graduation, Jones began his television career on Welsh channel S4C as a presenter of children's programmes such as Popty, Mas Draw and the flagship children's entertainment show Uned 5 (Unit 5, 2002–2005). In 2005, he became the 31st presenter of Blue Peter, the world's longest-running children's television series. He has also hosted major live telecasts of events like Mardi Gras in Cardiff and New Year Live (2007) and, from 2008, co-hosts the entertainment news programme E24 on BBC News 24. He has made guest appearances in various programmes, including The Mighty Boosh (2004) and Doctor Who (2006). In 2007 Jones was a contestant in Series 5 of Strictly Come Dancing, achieving third place.
Early life and education
Gethin Jones was born on 12 February 1978 in Cardiff, Wales, to Goronwy Jones, headteacher of Baden Powell Primary School, and his Polish wife Sylvia, a violin teacher. He has an older sister named Mereid[1] and a nephew, Albie.[2] With Welsh as his first language, he attended Ysgol Gynradd Coed-y-Gof and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf in Ely, Cardiff, for his primary and secondary school education respectively. Jones had Grade 8 violin and Grade 6 piano qualifications,[3] and was in school musicals and the school orchestra. He took Biology, Geography and Economics at A-Levels.[4][5][6]
Jones had dual interests throughout school – his mother wanted him to develop his musical talents, while he enjoyed rugby union. While studying Economics and Geography at the Manchester Metropolitan University where he gained a 2:2,[3][5] he was captain of the university's rugby first team and played in the Lancashire under-21 team. At the age of 21 in his final year, he was offered trials by Sale RFC.[5] However, after his father turned down a request for financial assistance and he experienced difficulties trying to play whilst supporting himself as a gym trainer, he found that his on-field capabilities suffered. He eventually set aside his plans for a professional rugby career and returned to Wales.[4]
Professional career
Prior to his television career, Jones worked as a bank clerk, a telephone hotline officer, and a research assistant, and spent three months as a builder laying house foundations.[3] His first TV appearance was as a contestant on Blind Date in 1997, but it was only later that he joined Welsh channel S4C as a presenter of children's programmes such as Popty (the Welsh equivalent of Top of the Pops),[7] Mas Draw, and the flagship children's entertainment show Uned 5 (Unit 5, September 2002 – 2005).[8] In 2004, as part of a challenge on the show, he learned how to fly a plane and gained his pilot's licence.[3]
In 2003 he was voted Bachelor of the Year by the readers of Company magazine.[4][9]
As presenter
On 26 April 2005, Jones became the 31st presenter (and second Welshman after Tim Vincent)[10] on the world's longest-running children's television series, Blue Peter.[7][9] He auditioned on the same day as co-presenter Zöe Salmon. He has since presented the show with her and with Konnie Huq, Matt Baker, Liz Barker and Andy Akinwolere. As a presenter he has taken on the action/adventure role formerly held by John Noakes; highlights include flying with the Red Arrows[7] and in a World War II Supermarine Spitfire, completing submarine escape training with the Royal Navy,[11] being attacked by an alligator in Louisiana, and fighting as a samurai warrior in Japan.[12] His biggest challenge so far has been becoming, in 2006, the first civilian to finish the Royal Marine Commando 30-mile (48 km) Yomp[11] – he finished in a time of 8 hrs 20 mins. In January 2008 it was reported that Jones is to try for an honorary Green Beret from the Royal Marine Commandos.[13]
Jones has been a presenter for a number of major live telecasts, including Mardi Gras in Cardiff in front of 40,000 people, Y Briodas Fawr (The Big Wedding), and Jones, Jones, Jones (2006) at Cardiff's Millennium Centre where the world record was broken for the biggest gathering of people with the same surname.[14] He co-presented the 2007 New Year's Eve programme New Year Live on BBC One with Myleene Klass and Nick Knowles, which drew 9.2 million viewers.[15] On 16 February 2008, Jones began presenting a new 15-minute entertainment show entitled E24 on BBC News 24 with James Dagwell.[16]
Other television work
Jones appeared as one of the Mutants in an episode in Series 1 of the The Mighty Boosh (2004), and as a Cyberman in a 2006 episode of Doctor Who. He guest-starred as himself in The Sarah Jane Adventures pilot "Invasion of the Bane" (2007).
In 2007 Jones participated in Series 5 of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering Camilla Dallerup.[17] He came third after being voted out in a "dance-off" in the semi-final.[18] He also appeared in the programme's Christmas Special, finishing second behind Darren Gough after each couple received a perfect score.
Selected work
As presenter
| Year(s) of appearance |
TV programme or series | Awards and nominations |
|---|---|---|
| [Unknown] | Popty | |
| [Unknown] | Mas Draw | |
| 2002–2005 | Uned 5 (Unit 5, 1994–present) | |
| 2005–present | Blue Peter (1958–present) | |
| 2006 | Jones, Jones, Jones | |
| 2007 | New Year Live | |
| 2008–present | E24 | |
| [Unknown] | Y Briodas Fawr (The Big Wedding) |
Some of the information in this table was obtained from "Gethin Jones: Filmography". Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Retrieved 2008-01-21.
As actor, cameo or participant
| Year(s) of appearance |
Television programme or series | Role | Awards and nominations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Blind Date (1985–2003) | [Participant] | |
| 2004 | Company Bachelor of the Year 2004 | [Participant] | |
| 2004 (1 episode) |
The Mighty Boosh | Mutant | |
| 2006 | Children's Party at the Palace | Julian Kirrin of Enid Blyton's Famous Five | |
| 2006 (1 episode) |
Doctor Who (2005–present) "Rise of the Cybermen" |
Cyberman | |
| 2007 (2 episodes) |
Strictly Come Dancing | [Participant] | |
| 2007 (10 episodes) |
Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two | [Participant] | |
| 2007 | Comic Relief Does Fame Academy | [Cameo appearance] | |
| 2007 (1 episode) |
The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007–present) | [Cameo appearance] |
Some of the information in this table was obtained from "Gethin Jones: Filmography". Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Retrieved 2008-01-21.
Personal life
Jones had been in a relationship prior to joining Blue Peter, but it ended when he moved from Wales to London to take up the job.[4] In December 2007 Jones became romantically involved with Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins.[19] According to him, they first met in 2005[1] when she appeared on Blue Peter and he was struck by how good she was with kids: "You kind of think people like that are all going to be false, but she really wasn't at all, and I like that. She really is lovely, a typical Neath girl."[4] Newspapers reported that they got together after Jenkins sang "Time To Say Goodbye" with Italian opera singer Andrea Boccelli on an episode of Strictly Come Dancing broadcast on 21 October 2007.[20] Jenkins' spokesman has said: "They're old friends and they've been on several dates. But people shouldn't consider buying hats just yet."[21]
Jones is a keen footballer (he supports Everton Football Club),[22] tennis player and golfer.[3] He is short-sighted and wears contact lenses or glasses.[5]
Notes
- ^ a b Evans, Catherine (2007-12-09). "Katherine and Gethin's first meeting". Wales on Sunday (reproduced on icWales.co.uk).
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Gethin and Katherine to spend holiday apart". Daily Express. 2007-12-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d e Greenwood, David (2005-01-25). "Blue Peter job is like a dream". Daily Post (reproduced on icNorthWales.co.uk).
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d e Johnston, Jenny (2007-12-19). "From rugby player to ballroom star: Strictly's 'Gorgeous Gethin' driven to succeed by a need for his father's approval". Daily Mail.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d Sale, Jonathan [interviewer] (2007-03-15). "Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Gethin Jones, 'Blue Peter' presenter: 'All of my lessons were in Welsh'". The Independent.
{{cite news}}:|first=has generic name (help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Jones got an E in biology, D in geography and C in economics for his A-levels, and an A in music at AS-level: Sale, Jonathan [interviewer] (2007-03-15). "Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Gethin Jones, 'Blue Peter' presenter: 'All of my lessons were in Welsh'". The Independent.
{{cite news}}:|first=has generic name (help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c "Biographies: Gethin Jones, presenter, Blue Peter". BBC Press Office. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
- ^ Eirian, Sian (2007-11-22). "Show has a grand day out with Gethin Jones". Western Mail.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b "Gethin gets the job and a Blue Peter badge". Western Mail (reproduced on icWales.co.uk). 2005-01-25.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Welsh TV host to join Blue Peter". BBC News. 2005-01-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Blue Peter presenter takes the plunge". Ministry of Defence. 2007-02-02. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) "Gethin gets in the water". Navy News, Royal Navy. 2007-03-08. Retrieved 2007-01-21.{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "The contestants: Gethin Jones". Strictly Come Dancing, BBC. 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Geth goes from Blue to green". The Sun. 2008-01-14.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Meet the Joneses for world record". BBC News. 2006-07-19.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) "World record attempt is a family affair". USA Today. 2006-11-03.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Holmwood, Leigh (2008-01-02). "BBC1 countdown chimes with viewers". The Guardian.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Holmwood, Leigh (2008-02-12). "News 24 launches showbiz news show". The Guardian (g2).
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Brooks, Nadia (2008-02-12). "Gethin gets new presenting gig". The Sun.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Neil, Beth (2007-12-08). "Gethin to know you: Exclusive: Blue Peter star is now strictly sex". Daily Mirror.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) "Who's danced their way to the number 6 slot?". Heatworld.com. 2007-12-28. Retrieved 2008-01-19.{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Gethin Jones dances off Strictly". BBC News. 2007-12-16.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Moodie, Clemmie (2007-12-17). "Exit Strictly Come Dancing's Gethin, straight into Katherine's arms". Daily Mail.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Jeffries, Mark (2007-12-17). "Gethin gets the boot". Daily Mirror.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Bodinger, Kate (2007-12-17). "Gethin misses out but dad proud". South Wales Echo.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) McGarry, Lisa (2007-12-17). "Gethin Jones leaves Strictly Come Dancing". Unreality TV: The UK and Ireland's Biggest Reality TV Blog!. Retrieved 2008-01-19.{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Cox, Emma (2007-12-07). "Let us Geth it on, Katherine". The Sun.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) "Katherine Jenkins dating Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones". South Wales Evening Post. 2007-12-08.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Evans, Catherine (2007-12-09). "Katherine and Gethin's first meeting". Wales on Sunday (reproduced on icWales.co.uk).{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) McConnell, Donna (2007-12-12). "Strictly's Gethin set to dance off with opera diva Katherine Jenkins' heart". Mail on Sunday.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) "FIRST picture of Gethin and Katherine together!". Heatworld.com. 2007-12-12.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Pengelly, Emma (2007-12-13). "Romance for Neath's golden girl and Blue Peter heartthrob Gethin". Neath Guardian.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Robertson, Colin (2007-12-15). "Gethin twirls girlfriend Kath". The Sun.{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Jones, Hannah (2007-12-17). "Katherine and Gethin are Welsh golden couple". Western Mail (reproduced on icWales.co.uk).{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Rhys, Steffan (2007-12-08). "Katherine Jenkins and Gethin Jones dating". Western Mail (reproduced on icWales.co.uk).
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Glaze, Ben (2007-12-08). "New Welsh celebrity couple are an item". South Wales Echo (reproduced on icWales.co.uk).
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Gould, Lara (2007-11-04). "Strictly Gethin's backstage secrets: Exclusive: Strictly Gethin on what really goes on backstage". Sunday Mirror.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)
References
- Greenwood, David (2005-01-25). "Blue Peter job is like a dream". Daily Post (reproduced on icNorthWales.co.uk).
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - Sale, Jonathan [interviewer] (2007-03-15). "Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Gethin Jones, 'Blue Peter' presenter: 'All of my lessons were in Welsh'". The Independent.
{{cite news}}:|first=has generic name (help); Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - Johnston, Jenny (2007-12-19). "From rugby player to ballroom star: Strictly's 'Gorgeous Gethin' driven to succeed by a need for his father's approval". Daily Mail.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)
Further reading
- "Ryan Giggs and Gethin Jones surprise Manchester pupils". United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). 2007-01-22. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - "Strictly Come Dancing contestant reckons partner has 'got it all'". NOW. 2007-12-02. Retrieved 2008-01-19.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - Rhys, Steffan (2007-12-10). "Have Katherine and Gethin got the elusive X factor to be the next golden couple?". Western Mail.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)