Born Maura McManus in Paisley, Currie holds degrees in Chemical Engineering from Strathclyde University and radio journalism from UWS.
After several years performing in youth theatre productions, including Steven Moffat’s lesser-known musical Knifer where she portrayed the young lead character ‘Lizzie’, Currie transitioned into broadcasting.
She co-presented The Big Trip (BBC Two, 1994 – 1995) and served as head of news at QFM between 1995 and 1997.
Currie joined BBC TV Scotland in Glasgow on 11th August 1997 as a bi-media announcer/director.
Her role included reading news bulletins and continuity announcements for BBC Radio Scotland, whilst also delivering television continuity and voiceovers for BBC One Scotland, BBC Two Scotland and BBC Choice Scotland.
During 2005, Currie was designated super user for the relocation from Queen Margaret Drive to BBC Scotland’s new headquarters at Pacific Quay.
She made history as the first voice to broadcast from the Pacific Quay facility on 30th March 2007 on BBC Two Scotland.
Currie’s promotion to senior announcer/director came in 2008. In March 2015, she assumed the position of head of presentation at BBC Scotland. She remains in this role.
2018 saw BBC Scotland and Currie launch a highly successful social media campaign entitled ‘The Voice of BBC Scotland’.
The accompanying short film invited personality-driven voices to contribute towards shaping the sound of the new BBC Scotland channel, ensuring it would authentically reflect the Nation.
Following the channel’s launch in February 2019, Currie undertook additional responsibilities for establishing the distinctive BBC Scotland continuity style whilst maintaining fresh playout and continuity approaches for BBC One Scotland and BBC Alba.
Maura is married to Scottish broadcaster David Currie.
Correspondence
Paul R. Jackson corresponded with Maura in August 2019.
How were you selected for The Big Trip?
“It was Janet Street Porter’s final commission for DEF II, BBC Two’s Youth and Entertainment Features strand. There were open auditions held in Manchester. They wanted a rougher Rough Guide – one of their most successful programmes.”
Who were your colleagues when you moved to the TV announcer’s chair at BBC Scotland?
“My colleagues were: Graham Anderson, Anne Marie Barth, Alma Cadzow, Alison Cairney, Bob Christie, Tony Currie, James Gillies, Charles Hamilton, Ken Lindsay, Sarah Macdonald, Gilly McDougall, Robin Matheson, Ken Mitchell and Arlene Stuart.”
Did you introduce any major programmes or news events?
“During my time at the mic, I introduced the Royal opening of the Scottish Parliament, the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as hundreds of episodes of Neighbours, EastEnders and River City. I still announce on occasions.”
Personal information
Clips of Maura on The TV Room
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Online presence
Acknowledgements
PICTURED: Maura Currie. COURTESY: Maura Currie. COPYRIGHT: Maura Currie.
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