Beyond The Script: Emilie-Kate On Finding Her True Voice In Broadcasting
Meet Emilie-Kate, a dynamic radio jockey, celebrated TV presenter, and a hilarious stand-up comic who knows how to captivate an audience. From performing on the West End stage to commanding the mic as a live presenter, Emilie-Kate’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and a deep love for storytelling. With a background in acting and a knack for comedy, she brings authenticity, warmth, and wit to everything she does.
When she’s not lighting up the stage, Emilie enjoys life in Surrey with her 12-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter, and their beloved dog. In this exclusive interview, she shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, her proudest moments, and what the future holds for her in the ever-evolving world of media. Join us as we unfold the remarkable story of Emilie-Kate.
● Can you tell us a bit about your childhood? What inspired you to step into the world of media and broadcasting?
I had a wonderfully idyllic childhood in rural Essex, where I spent my days climbing trees, reading books, and creating stories and plays. Imagination was my constant companion, and storytelling became second nature to me. When I moved to Surrey as a teenager, I discovered acting, which perfectly matched my love for words and performance. Stepping onto a stage for the first time felt like coming home, and I knew this was something I wanted to pursue.
I went on to study English and Philosophy at university, which deepened my appreciation for language, storytelling, and the power of communication. After that, I trained at drama school for three years, refining my craft and developing the confidence to perform in front of audiences. From there, I stepped straight into the West End, performing at iconic venues like The Globe and various other theatres.
Those experiences gave me an incredible foundation in understanding how to engage with a live audience, respond to their energy, and adapt in real-time, skills that have been invaluable in my work as a live presenter. The ability to think on my feet, read the room, and bring stories to life has shaped the way I connect with people, whether on stage, on air, or in front of the camera.
● Breaking into the media industry can be tough. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?
Breaking into the industry comes with its fair share of challenges, and rejection is a constant part of the journey. Opportunities, especially paid ones, can be tough to come by, making it tough to gain hands-on experience. Many aspiring professionals go through a period of financial instability while they work on developing their skills and building their reputations. It can be daunting and requires a great deal of perseverance, resilience, and self-belief. However, for those who are passionate and determined enough to push through the tough times, the rewards are worth it. Every setback teaches you something valuable, and those who keep going despite the obstacles often find themselves stronger, more skilled, and better prepared for success.
● Did you have any early influences or role models in the industry who motivated you to pursue this path?
My love for theatre began at a very young age, thanks to my aunt, who was a theatre director. I’m pretty sure my parents hold her responsible for steering me into the industry. However, the biggest influence on my career shift was my son. He has Glass Syndrome, and being his advocate, fighting to ensure he received the education and care he needed, made me realise I had my own voice and stories to share, beyond just performing from a script. That experience inspired me to transition from acting to presenting, where I could speak from the heart and make a real impact.
● What excites you the most about being a radio jockey, anchor, and TV presenter?
What I love most about live presenting is the incredible connection you build with the audience. Whether on stage, television, or radio, you become their companion, their friend who guides them through the experience, making sure they feel engaged, entertained, and included. There’s something special about knowing that your words can brighten someone’s day, spark a conversation, or even provide comfort during difficult moments.
Radio, in particular, has a unique intimacy that I find truly powerful. It’s a medium that reaches people in such a personal way, whether they’re driving alone, working, or winding down at home, they always have a voice to keep them company. You’re never really alone when you have a radio, and I love being part of that connection. The idea that my voice can become a familiar presence in someone’s daily routine is something I find incredibly meaningful and rewarding.
● How do you prepare for a show or an interview? Do you have any pre-show rituals?
As a classically trained actor, I take a traditional, meticulous approach to preparation, which gives me the confidence that I’m fully ready for every performance. Mastering the script is
paramount for me. Whether it’s a fully written piece or an autocue, I ensure to be completely comfortable with every word, especially any tricky names or locations that need perfect pronunciation.
Before going live, I always warm up my voice and body, getting into the right physical and mental space. I also take a moment to visualise the show ahead, the energy I want to create, the pacing, and the overall tone to ensure it aligns with the event and the audience’s expectations. Reviewing the running order and content is crucial too, as I want everything to flow naturally and meet the producers’ vision.
And of course, being a stand-up comic, I always look for opportunities to weave in some humour, if it’s appropriate, of course. A well-placed joke can break the ice, lift the mood, and create a real sense of connection with the audience.
● If you could interview any personality in the world, who would it be and why?
I’d love to interview Louis Theroux to learn how he navigates tough conversations with great ease and insight.
● How do you see the future of radio and TV evolving, and how do you plan to adapt to those changes?
In an age of AI, nothing is more valuable than genuine human connection. Technology is evolving rapidly, but the ability to engage, empathise, and bring authenticity to storytelling remains irreplaceable. I’m excited to see where my media career takes me because now, more than ever, audiences crave real, relatable voices. The world needs presenters who can create meaningful connections and bring a sense of warmth and personality that no algorithm can imitate.
● What would you consider your biggest achievement so far in your career?
I think the biggest turning point for me was transitioning from acting to presenting. I absolutely loved acting, but over time, I started to feel disillusioned, especially when most of my work became centred around commercials, leaving little room for creativity. That’s when I decided to take a new direction in presenting and stand-up comedy, and I couldn’t be happier with that choice. Even if it hadn’t become my new passion, the leap would have been worth it, every new experience brings growth and fresh perspectives.
● What are your dreams and goals for the future? Are there any exciting projects coming up?
I’m incredibly proud of my charity, Parents in Need, which my family and I founded in 2014. We started from scratch with just a team of dedicated volunteers, yet we’ve been able to support thousands of families in need. Having the amazing Stephen Mangan as our Patron has been a
huge honour, especially when he won us £64,000 on Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? on Christmas Day! One of my biggest goals is to continue growing the charity, raising even more funds, and reaching even more families who desperately need our help.
● Finally, what advice would you give the aspiring radio jockeys and TV presenters who want to follow in your footsteps?
My advice would be to focus on developing the essential skills needed to succeed. As an aspiring presenter, your job is to refine and perfect those skills through dedication and practice. You can’t expect opportunities to come your way without putting in the time to train, learn, and master every aspect of great presenting. The more you hone your skills, the more confident and employable you’ll become, setting yourself up for long-term success.