Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee, Actor, Presenter, Writer, Campaigner & Recipient of the BAFTA Special Lifetime Achievement Award

Baroness Floella Benjamin is a pioneering actor, presenter, writer and campaigner whose remarkable life journey began when she arrived in Britain from Trinidad as part of the Windrush generation. Rising from a childhood marked by hardship and resilience, she went on to become one of the UK’s most recognisable television figures, starring in stage productions, dramas and the beloved children’s programme Playschool. Beyond her creative career, Floella has become an influential advocate for children, diversity and inclusion, with over four decades of work in public life. Honoured with a Damehood and elevation to the House of Lords, she continues to inspire through her dedication, positivity and leadership.

Floella’s career is defined by her determination to succeed against the odds and her commitment to using her platform for social change. After arriving in the UK as a child, she pursued education while working in a bank, later following her passion for the arts with roles in major stage productions including Black Mikado and Jesus Christ Superstar. Her persistence led to a breakthrough in television drama, followed by a 12-year run as a presenter on Playschool, where she became a household name. In 1987, she founded her own production company, producing Tree House for Channel 4 and working with leading cultural figures.

Alongside her work in entertainment, Floella has campaigned tirelessly for children’s rights and representation, lobbying successive prime ministers and ultimately helping to secure the creation of a minister for children. She has also encouraged greater diversity in publishing and media, leading initiatives such as Touching Success to connect children with role models. Her leadership extends into public service, including roles as Chancellor of the University of Exeter, President of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists, and Chair of the Windrush Commemoration Committee. Recognised with an OBE, Damehood, and a life peerage in the House of Lords, Floella embodies excellence, resilience and service to others.

Floella is the author of several acclaimed works, including her celebrated children’s book ‘Coming to England‘, which won a Royal Television Society Award. She later released her autobiography, ‘What Are You Doing Here?‘, which was named Best Biography, Memoir or Autobiography by a Parliamentarian at the Parliamentary Book Awards in 2022. Her writing often reflects her personal journey and commitment to diversity, offering inspiration to readers of all ages. In addition to her books, Floella contributes articles and commentary on issues of representation, equality and the experiences of the Windrush generation.

Why Hire Baroness Floella Benjamin?

Audiences book Floella for her extraordinary ability to combine personal storytelling with a lifetime of advocacy, creativity and public service. With over 40 years in the public eye, she has become one of Britain’s most recognisable and respected figures, using her platform to campaign for children’s rights, representation and equality. Her achievements span entertainment, politics and education: from starring in theatre and television productions and founding her own production company, to becoming the first Trinidadian woman elevated to the House of Lords.

She has been recognised with a Damehood, an OBE, and in 2024 received the BAFTA Fellowship for Exceptional Contribution to Television. Floella speaks candidly about overcoming adversity as part of the Windrush generation, the importance of diversity in media and leadership, and the power of resilience in the face of barriers. Warm, articulate and deeply inspiring, she leaves audiences motivated to embrace inclusion and to recognise the potential within themselves and others.

To book Floella to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.