Carson, Avril

Born in Belfast, Avril Carson graduated with a BA Honours degree from the University of Manchester.

She performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company during the late 1970s, appearing in productions at both Stratford and London.

Avril joined the BBC in 1980 as an announcer for BBC Radio 4, subsequently taking on the role of newsreader for BBC Radio 2.

During the early 1980s, she worked as an in-vision continuity announcer for ATV and Central Television.

She subsequently moved into the production of training videos, later specialising in leadership development, media training, confident public speaking, and the creation of video and audio educational materials.

In 1987, Avril established her own company, delivering training courses and providing individual coaching services.

Interview

Paul R. Jackson spoke with Avril in July 2025.

“I did a drama degree and spent two years in repertory theatres, such as Sheffield Crucible in 1974, where I played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.

“I was then at the RSC for over three years, where I worked with great actors like Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. I loved being an actor, but never had enough confidence!

How did you get into broadcasting?

“I knew Nick Ross, who suggested writing to Jim Black, head of presentation for BBC Radio 4.

“I joined in April 1980 and was trained by Peter Jefferson, who was an excellent broadcaster. I spent nine months there.

“I had not been a studio manager, so had no technical training and consequently that side of the job was a challenge to me.

“On one occasion, when reading the Shipping Forecast, I had to do a VHF opt-out but unfortunately, I forgot the final stage and did not open the microphone.

“For around 2 minutes there was silence on Radio 4! When I realised, I read it again from the start and crashed the 2 o’clock news.

“Jim Black, quite rightly, was not pleased with me!”

How did you join BBC Radio 2?

“I just walked along the corridor from Radio 4 presentation and had a chat with the head of presentation for Radio 2 newsreaders.

“I moved across to BBC Radio 2 as an announcer (1980 – 1981). We worked in the continuity suites which were near the studios in Broadcasting House, so saw all the DJs for each network.

“I had a photo taken with Jimmy Young and Wogan for the Christmas Radio Times, which they had to drop at the last minute, as I was leaving, which they weren’t very happy with.

“I left as I married a musician from the RSC, so moved to Stratford-upon-Avon. My BBC Radio 2 boss advised me to stay with the BBC, but I thought TV would be fun.”

How did you join ATV?

“Diana Mather was one of many excellent presenters and a delightful person. I was told that she accidentally name checked Granada TV instead of ATV.

“She switched off her microphone but the TC (transmission controller) had switched it back on and she was heard to say ‘oh f**k’ .

“I think that may have been why she left ATV. I was her replacement.

“There was a commercial break one Sunday, and all the commercials ‘went down’ and consequently I was in-vision to cover for 3 minutes 40 seconds.

“After about 2 minutes, I froze as I had run out of things to say.

“Stewart White, who took over from me after that shift was amused, as it looked as if a film had jammed when in fact it was live TV.”

“I knew Derek Hobson, who invited me to a party held by Danny La Rue at his hotel/mansion near Stratford and one of the guests who turned up was Liberace.

“He was wearing a full-length white mink coat. He kissed my hand! Later that evening, he treated the guests to a wonderful display of his talents on the grand piano.”

Did you meet ATV legends Jean Morton or Noele Gordon?

“I didn’t meet Jean.

“Noele was very grand but not always polite!”

Did you meet the public during this period?

“Occasionally. For example, I appeared at the Royal Show.

“I didn’t feel at home being asked for my autograph, as I hadn’t done anything special.

“It was lovely when people also came up to me in the street, even if it felt strange.”

Did you work for any other ITV companies?

“I did some freelance shifts for TVS in Southampton.”

What did you do after leaving TV?

“I left Central TV in mid-1982 to have my child and went back for a while before deciding to leave.

“I did some work for BBC Pebble Mill in the early 1980s, including features for Woman’s Hour.

“Due to being on TV, I was asked to video training films which gave me more confidence. I grew very interested in psychology and helping people with their voices.

“I set up Avril Carson Associates Ltd and Personal Impact Ltd (1987 – present).

“I became an Interfaith minister in 1999, but my work was mainly as a Trustee for the charity.”

 

Personal information

Clips of Avril on The TV Room

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Rewind | Clean Feed

Online presence

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