It was a major thrill at the beginning of the year to learn that I was to be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from my old University - Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh - for my contribution to Culture and the Creative Arts.

So I had a few months to script up my acceptance speech for the ceremony in July with a two thousand strong audience of excited graduates, their families, academics and staff from QMU including none other that the Chancellor of The Uni - Dame Prue Leith! Important speech! (Must not cry!)

And it was a really special day celebrating with my husband and family at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh (kids pulled in for the later the highlights package!) and I couldn’t have been more proud to receive this incredible acknowledgement. I’ve been so lucky to have such rewarding work as a TV Presenter over so many years, presenting on location and in the studio for the all the major TV Networks, always striving for the audience to produce the very best work alongside creatively brilliant colleagues.

And then a privilege to have the chance to pay it forward with my media training coaching work at Presenters Inc, kick starting a few media careers along the way - many of whom are doing their high profile dream jobs right now. Also using my transferable presenting skills to now mentor and coach extraordinary people to get their messages across the line from Olympic champions and business leaders to some of the brightest minds that are helping shape our future.

So I wrapped this all up and put it in my speech - including the good (and the bad bits!) to help gee on those new graduates. Congratulations everyone!

If you or your team need any professional performance coaching from real broadcasters then do get in touch - info@presentersinc.co.uk