Gillian spent a brief spell on the BBC Northern Ireland TV announcing staff in 1992. She then moved to UTV, to take up a similar role there.
Many of the continuity links on UTV were presented in-vision. By the early 2000s, UTV was cutting back on live continuity: most weekday daytime junctions featured announcerless idents. Pre-recorded daytime announcements later became the norm. Live continuity was restricted to 5pm – late-night.
In autumn 2016, in-vision continuity ceased, prior to the introduction of a new on air look for the channel, which would bring it in line with the appearance of ITV. The move followed the takeover of UTV plc by ITV plc in February 2016.
Since October 2016, Gillian alternated out-of-vision continuity shifts with Julian Simmons. Aidan Browne provided occasional relief cover.
In early April 2020, the Covid pandemic resulted in the suspension of UTV branding/continuity. Northern Ireland viewers saw ITV network continuity during the day for the first time.
On 26th November 2020, ITV confirmed that Gillian and Julian would be leaving UTV and that the ITV branding arrangement in Northern Ireland was now permanent.
Personal information
Clips of Gillian on The TV Room
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