Curious that they appear to be choosing Carole Walker over most of the other female 'relief' presenters to cover during the week. I assumed in the run-up to the move to NBH she was on a short secondment while the main presenters were piloting, but even since the move she must have been the most frequent female, other than Sophie Long on her scheduled days. I like Carole (though I know many here don't rate her as a presenter), and I think she's improved massively over the past few months, but it's still curious they're using her over more established presenters like Sue Thearle and Rachel Schofield. Equally South Today's political editor Louise Stewart seems to have been working at least part-time as a correspondent on the national news, so I wonder if Carole is attached part time to the NC, part time to Westminster, as a compromise solution to try and cut down on freelancers?
By the way, has Sue Thearle left the BBC? I don't think I've seen her, Ellie Crisell or Fiona Armstrong on since the move, while the male relief presenters (Willcox, Parsons, Rogers, and even Grey) have all appeared as usual.
Oh, and does anyone know if Norman Smith has ever presented a live radio/TV programme before? It could be that he wouldn't be suited to presenting, but I have a feeling he could be rather good in the right slot. Say filling in for Huw on the News at Five. He's a very good interviewer and incredibly knowledgeable, and could prep him for future openings?
I agree, Carole has become a lot better and is becoming the first choice female relief presenter. She's appeared 33 times this year, which is quite a lot. She's improving every time I see her.
If Sue is going to present at BH, it would have been by now? Geetha took a long time off earlier in the year, but I think Sue would have appeared by now. Shame she's gone, she always brought a warm feel to the channel.
I like your idea about Norman. He's a good confident character with enthusiasm. He was chief political correspondent for Radio 4 so he might have done something on the radio before. He would make a great presenter because as you say, he's interviewing skills are top notch and he's a likable person. I was surprised that the Beeb chose him for the chief political correspondent role, but I'm glad they did. He never fails to lighten up an afternoon of politics.
