Two-time BAFTA-winning Television Presenter, Blue Peter Host, This Morning Presenter, Wheel of Fortune Host & Broadcaster

John Leslie is a celebrated British broadcaster, television presenter and live event host, known for his commanding on-screen presence, warmth, and versatility. A two-time BAFTA award-winning presenter, he rose to national prominence on Blue Peter and later This Morning, establishing himself as one of the UK’s most recognisable and engaging television personalities.

From an early age, John displayed a natural flair for performance, balancing strong interests in both music and sport. While excelling in football and tennis at school, he was equally committed to the arts, performing in orchestras and choirs and studying the double bass. After leaving school, he pursued musical instrument technology, developing a deep passion for the piano. Alongside his studies, he worked as a DJ at a local roller rink, a role that quickly became a full-time career and took him across the UK and Europe. This experience sharpened his confidence and stagecraft, eventually leading him to audition as a video jockey for the satellite TV station Music Box, marking his transition into broadcasting.

John’s breakthrough came in 1989 when he joined Blue Peter as its 17th presenter, quickly becoming a favourite with audiences and helping the programme reach viewing figures of up to seven million. During his five-year tenure, he undertook a range of high-profile challenges and international expeditions, from training with the Royal Marines to conducting at the Royal Albert Hall. His success on the show earned him his first BAFTA award. Following Blue Peter, John became a familiar face across major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and Sky, hosting programmes such as Wheel of Fortune, Survivor and This Morning, where he co-presented alongside Fern Britton. His work on This Morning secured him a second BAFTA, cementing his reputation as a leading television presenter. Alongside his broadcasting career, he has also performed on stage in productions including Cinderella, Aladdin and Pride & Prejudice, demonstrating his range as an entertainer.

As a keynote speaker, John brings a rare combination of high-profile success, personal resilience and authentic storytelling. Having experienced both the heights of television fame and the challenges of intense public scrutiny, he offers candid insights into reputation, resilience, and rebuilding after adversity. His talks often explore themes such as navigating media pressure, maintaining perspective in high-performance environments, and adapting to change when circumstances shift unexpectedly. For example, he reflects on stepping away from television and successfully rebuilding his life through property development and creative pursuits. His engaging style, humour and honesty make him a compelling choice for corporate events, awards ceremonies and conferences, where audiences value both inspiration and relatability.

Why Hire John Leslie?