Annabel Tiffin was born in Southampton, the daughter of Peter Tiffin – a television documentary producer and director whose career spanned several decades before his death in August 2020 at the age of 86.
Annabel’s path into journalism began in 1990, when a move to Manchester led her to the newsroom of the Stockport Express Advertiser.
From print, she made the transition to broadcasting, taking up roles at Signal Radio in Stoke and BRMB in Birmingham.
She simultaneously developed her television credentials as a presenter and reporter at Birmingham Live TV, the local cable station, making history as the very first voice on air when it launched in 1995.
Eighteen months into that role, she took her next step – joining Central TV in Nottingham in 1997, where she reported and delivered news bulletins for Central News East.
A significant career milestone came in 2003, when Annabel joined BBC North West as both presenter and producer of the late-night weekday North West Tonight bulletin.
Her profile within the organisation steadily grew: from January 2012 she became a regular stand-in for the flagship evening programme, before being appointed to the main presenting role outright in May 2012, succeeding Ranvir Singh.
Alongside her news presenting duties, Annabel has contributed to a range of regional output, including the current affairs series Inside Out North West and The Politics Show, as well as extensive coverage of local and national elections.
In July 2020, the BBC announced the loss of 450 posts across its regional television services.
The news prompted more than a thousand viewers to sign a petition calling for the preservation of Tiffin’s well-regarded partnership with fellow presenter Roger Johnson – a pairing that had earned considerable audience loyalty.
Despite this show of public support, the two ultimately went their separate ways on screen, each continuing to present independently thereafter.
On 5th May 2021, Tiffin signed off from the late 10.30pm bulletin for the last time.
Within days, it emerged that she had taken on a new challenge: the role of political editor for BBC North West.
She returned to the presenter’s chair in January 2023, stepping in to front the 6.30pm edition of North West Tonight during Roger Johnson’s absence.
In 2025, the University of Bolton conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Arts degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to British broadcasting.
Tiffin married John Williamson in October 1998; they have two children.
Correspondence
Paul R. Jackson corresponded with Annabel in February 2026.
What year did you: join local radio in Stoke; work in Birmingham?
“I worked at Signal Radio (with Chris Moyles!) for seven months in 1993 and went to BRMB in the same year.”
Any memories of the launch of Birmingham Live TV and did any other later well-known presenters work there with you?
“Probably too many memories. Sarah Hawley (previously Berridge and Teale, who is presenter at East Midlands Today), also worked there, but that’s as well-known as it gets!”
At what point in 2003 did you join BBC North West Tonight?
“I joined in November 2003, once I came off maternity leave with my second child.”
Do you recall the date when you first presented the main 6.30pm programme?
“I had presented with Roger since January 2012, but only officially got the gig in May.”
Any memories of anything that went wrong either in studio or location; and any favourite locations you have filmed at?
“I think I may be very lucky, but nothing has ever gone terribly wrong – yet!
“Not necessarily a favourite location, but we once filmed at the top of Blackpool Tower. It was one of the final pieces we ever did with Dianne Oxberry.
“She was utterly terrified and spent the whole time clinging on to one of the central pillars of the tower. Poor thing – she hated every second but was – as ever – an absolute pro!”
What news stories that you have covered particularly stand out?
“Stand-out story was the Manchester Arena bombing.
“I presented the late news and came out to news of the explosion. I went straight to the scene and worked through the night.
“We then came live form Manchester city centre for the rest of the week. It was the most intense, sad, yet uplifting story I have ever done.
“To see the whole city/region come together over such a terrible event.”
Personal information
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Online presence
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Annabel Tiffin. COURTESY: Annabel Tiffin. COPYRIGHT: BBC.
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