Sameena Ali-Khan

Ali-Khan began her broadcasting career after completing a Masters degree, working on Asian and mainstream programmes at BBC Radio Lancashire. She relocated to Birmingham in 2000, hosting Drive on the BBC Asian Network and Radio 5 Live. After five years with the BBC, she moved to television, joining ITV Central in 2005. She returned from maternity leave in 2009, co-presenting the West Midlands edition before it merged with the East Midlands edition to become ITV Central. She then became one of the main co-presenters of the evening edition, often alongside Bob Warman.

Her career has been marked by accolades and a distinctive public image. She has won three RTS Midlands Best Screen Personality Awards, in 2010, 2014, and 2015. In 2013, at age 45, she had her first professional photo-shoot for Pukaar Magazine, later becoming a cover star. This experience prompted a change in her on-screen style, trading suits for more glamorous, curve-accentuating outfits. She has spoken openly about the challenges of being a woman and an ethnic minority in media, and she continues to push boundaries into her 50s. Known for her curvaceous figure and big smile, she has earned a devoted fanbase in the region.