Tonight, Countryfile journeys to Wakehurst in West Sussex where the BBC One programme's annual photographic competition will be judged. And joining John and Charlotte this week is Vick Hope, a Hackney-based Radio 1 presenter who is also apparently an "avid nature lover".
Vick, who is 34, hosts the flagship BBC Radio 1 drivetime show Going Home with Vick, Katie and Jamie. Katie is Katie Thistleton, and Jamie is Jamie Laing, of Made in Chelsea fame. You may also have previously heard her on Capital FM with Roman Kemp and Sonny Jay hosting the breakfast show, or on a previous version of Radio 1's drivetime show, co-hosting with Jordan North.
A Career Built on Passion and Versatility
She also co-hosted the Sunday afternoon radio show Life Hacks with Katie Thistleton. But before her radio career took off, Vick started life in Newcastle upon Tyne. She grew up with three younger brothers, and went to Cambridge University to study modern languages - meaning Vick speaks French, Spanish and Portuguese. During her year abroad as part of her degree, Vick went to Argentina, where she became the youngest ever journalist employed by an independent English-language expat newspaper.
From Journalism to Broadcasting
She was then spotted by MTV and asked to present shows for them, before starting her journalism and presenting career. Vick hasn't just stuck to radio either, working as a presenter on TV for several years. She's featured on spinoffs of The X Factor and presented the pre-show red carpet for the BAFTAS. She's covered sport, entertainment and even produced documentaries examining the rise of online horror, and the use of retouching in fashion photography.
A Multifaceted Personality
If you think you recognise Vick but can't quite place her, perhaps you're used to seeing her in sequins during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, where she was paired with pro dancer Graziano Di Prima. Last year, Vick married DJ Calvin Harris after a year's engagement. She's a human rights activist and ambassador for Amnesty International, and volunteers at a weekly refugee project that runs near her home in Hackney.
A Passion for Nature and Giving Back
Vick's involvement with Countryfile highlights her diverse interests, particularly her love for nature. This passion for the environment is evident in her work as an advocate for sustainable practices, and her involvement in various environmental initiatives. It also underscores her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about important issues, echoing her commitment to social justice through her work with Amnesty International and her volunteer efforts. Vick is a shining example of a multi-talented individual who has carved a successful career path while remaining true to her values. Watch Countryfile tonight on BBC One at 7pm.
