What's New For Diane?

Thank you!

Thank you for checking up on me on my website! In this day of Facebook and twitter so you can be globally present in cyber space, I appreciate you catching up with me in a legitimate way. This is because there are presently around 4 individuals passing themselves off as me on Facebook. I have been cyber squatted! And actually can only take it as some form of compliment! Though totally bemused as to why someone would want to assume my identity than fulfill the uniquness of their own!?

Lets up date first hand

So, after a few years of transitions in my life I am happy to update here on my website first hand.

At present I am in the North East of England working for the BBC and have also just completed my 18th year as a principal in Panto!

I left the North East many years ago to train in London in the days when you had to as there was little in training opportunity or development in the arts, choreography (which was and still is a passion, if I had time) and to get started with agents etc. These days I have discovered the level and quality of training that sits on the doorstep of most regions in Performing Arts or Media is mostly comprehensive and of an excellent standard.

I'm glad in many ways of my journey though as I look out at todays 'media' or arts world and see that to 'make it' is a far more competitive and not always merit congruent matter. The day of 'Celebrity' has been transformed by reality tv although I have to admit that at times over the last decade or so to be compelled by the phenomena, as it has created a fascinating insight into the psychology of people. Why or what compels an individual to be 'known' regardless of obvious or authentic contribution of talent, insight or improvement to the world is still beyond me! Gosh a bit deep, but then I do deep with no apology.

In fact, on leaving the original Gladiators in 1996 following an accident I was curious to fulfill the enquiring side of me to look into the psychology of fame and what can drive/motivate people to pursue avenues that may not be naturally in line with their true potential or vocation. I went on to study and become experienced in the world of psychotherapy dealing with many generic and specific presentations that people can bring. All part of the rich tapestry and how fascinating.

To this day (when I get chance) I love the explorations and privileged insights I gain into other's lives and the curious possibility from the learnings that can happen, sometimes tragic, always compelling and often magic once the learnings are integrated in some way to that individuals life hopefully with grace.

18th Panto (oh yes I did)

This brings me back to now. I have just completed another Panto. I love this old and fun form of theatre. A real treat and privilege in these multimedia and photoshopped times. There we all are in the fable/story of Dick Whittington or Aladdin larger than life and real with the magic of fantastically skilled technicians and skilled comedians, actors, singers and dancers creating immediate and real entertainment and the true litmus test? The children's faces and voices as they scream and shout their involvement every step of the way with the hero, baddie, princess/principal girl or comedic hopeful simpleton. Yes, men dressed as women and women dressed as men etc!?

Presenter and Broadcaster

I work on radio daily for BBC Tees on the Mid Morning show (10 - 1pm) with my co presenter Neil Green. You can log on to our BBC Tees website bbc.co.uk/tees and listen live each day or go on listen back. Our show is a continuation of some of the harder and softer News of the day and how that relates to the area of the Tees Valley, Co Durham and North Yorkshire as well as feel good shouting out about truly brilliant people doing great things in their lives.

Over Christmas while I was in Panto, Dev, running the morning show on BBC Radio 1, did a 'Does anyone know Jet now' moment and I gave him a call just before he handed over to Fearn (Cotton) to up date him. It seemed to take him by surprise and because of the little time we had we went on to pre record a more in depth interview which he played out the next morning! It was a little surreal though I have always found the fame that surrounded 'Jet' for those few years slightly bewildering! He was lovely to speak with and admitted he had my life size (yikes) stand up card board cut out that one of our sponsors at the time were sending out after saving tokens! He also does a cracking radio show so do check him out on BBC radio 1.

Radio a very personal endorsement

In these times of multimedia I would like to say that radio for me is where its at although professionally I find the presenting I have done on camera ( again for about 18 years) far easier to do.

It is, however radio that I love as a listener. There was a time a few years ago when my life for a number of reasons took some sharp, very surprising and tragically shocking turns. I listened to my radio almost continuously to hear about the world and have the reassuring company of intelligent, informed and reliable voices. So once I was asked to consider doing radio as a broadcaster again, it was daunting because I then realised that for some radio is a massive life line and comfort when other things maybe very grim. I still, every day remember this as I open my mike and speak to those listening knowing i'm in their home/car/work place and might, just might be the company of choice for a few minutes when all sorts of thing could be happening in their lives.

I'm now back on the daily show at Tees. Before Christmas I was very busy working for BBC 1s Inside Out and BBC Look North presenting slots on NE and Cumbria's Sportkids. I had a brilliant time meeting the kids from around the region and filming them doing what they are brilliant at, tennis, wrestling, ice skating, boxing, tetrathalon, gymnastics, trampoline, fencing, hound trailing, and freestyle kick boxing. I also was asked to do the live links for Children in Need as well as a few short pieces on where the money was spent from last year.

Personal

I lived and worked most of my life in London and Surrey South East England and to now find myself back in the North East where I left as a 16yr old for my training and start in London, I can honestly say how good it is to rediscover as an adult the many things this rather undiscovered area of astonishing contrasts and immense natural beauty holds. I love walking and spend any time I can get up on the moors, dales and exciting NE coastline.

However, although I walk or run almost every day (more difficult with my work load and limited daylight of wint grrrrr our Northern Hemisphere) I don't get the time to train in fitness like I once used. I do though occasionally teach Pilates to BBC staff and my promise to myself is to get fit and strong again this year once the light days are back as I am an outdoors fitness girl.

Coming up

Keep in touch with this site and I will up date (promise) when new news is here. I will one day be back on the road with my talks/work shops of Core Philosophy which I developed while working as a therapist for the NHS after my retraining from my accident as Gladiator 'Jet'.

My work as a therapist is volunteer at present for a few of the charities I come across as a broadcaster.

Teaching fitness will always feature even if at present it is once in a blue moon!

Daily BBC Tees takes much focus and presenting pieces for BBC Look North is a joy too. I'm also doing some more pieces for Inside Out.

Do go on listen back or BBC Iplayer for anything that I have done and I'm doing at present.

All the best, make your year what you want it to be.

Diane