Lara Lewington: A Multifaceted Career
Lara Lewington (also known as Lara Shipley) is a British television presenter, journalist, and former weather forecaster. Born on May 10, 1979, in Chichester, West Sussex, England, she has cultivated a diverse career spanning broadcasting, journalism, and technology reporting.
Early Life and Education
Lewington received her education at Surbiton High School before attending St Mary's University in Twickenham. Her academic background provided a foundation for her multifaceted professional life.
Broadcasting Beginnings & Journalism
Lara Lewington began her television career as a weather presenter for Five in 2003. She quickly progressed, becoming the showbiz correspondent for Five News. This led to further opportunities as a showbiz correspondent for Sky News and contributions to various programs including The Weakest Link News and Weather Special, ITV1’s Celebrities Exposed, and E!’s 101 Greatest Program. She also made appearances on shows like The Impressionable Jon Culshaw, Win, Lose or Draw, Newsnight, RI:SE, Big Brother's Big Mouth, Britain’s Best Dish, and Let’s Dance for Sports Relief.
Transition to Technology Reporting
In 2011, Lewington joined the BBC’s Click as a reporter, marking a significant shift towards technology journalism. She later became a presenter on the show in 2018, co-hosting with Spencer Kelly and contributing to various radio and television programs focused on technological advancements. She also served as the technology columnist for Woman magazine.
Recent Work & Public Engagement
Lewington’s commitment to exploring complex issues within the digital landscape was demonstrated in July 2023 when she presented BBC Radio Four's program, Wiki Wars, which examined the intricacies of Wikipedia. The show sparked discussion with Jimmy Wales about topics like hoaxes, gender bias, geographical representation and paid editing on the platform. In September 2023, she announced a new role as an 'AI agony aunt' on ITV’s Lorraine.
Other Appearances & Personal Life
Film and Television: Lewington has also made appearances in film and television beyond her presenting roles. She can be seen briefly presenting the weather on a monitor within the Daily Planet newsroom in the 2006 film, Superman Returns, and appeared in the British comedy film, Shouting Men (2010) and BBC2’s Happiness.
Personal Life: Lewington is married to financial journalist Martin Lewis. They have one daughter, born in 2012.
Artistic Pursuits & 'Devil's Promenade'
While primarily known for her broadcasting and journalistic work, Lara Lewington also engages in artistic endeavors. She is the creator of the artwork In the Ozarks There Are Lights (Devil’s Promenade), demonstrating a creative outlet alongside her media career.
Historical Significance & Influence
Lewington's career reflects a modern trend of broadcasters diversifying their skills and engaging with evolving fields like technology. Her ability to transition between different roles – from weather presenting to serious journalism and now AI commentary – highlights her adaptability and broad appeal. While not traditionally considered an artist in the conventional sense, her artwork demonstrates another facet of her creative expression.
Key Achievements
- Successful career as a television presenter and journalist
- Transition into technology reporting and becoming a prominent voice in the field
- Presenting and reporting on BBC’s Click
- Exploring complex issues surrounding Wikipedia with Wiki Wars
- Creative expression through artwork, such as Devil's Promenade
