Wendy Turner-Webster (born Wendy Turner on 5th June 1967) is an English journalist, television presenter and animal rights campaigner.
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Born on 5th June 1967 in Stoke-on-Trent, she had two sisters: presenter Anthea Turner; and Ruth who had spina bifida, and died at the age of 15. She grew up in Norton-Le-Moors, Staffordshire, was educated at St Dominic’s Independent Junior School at Hartshill, and attended Sunday School in Longsdon, near Leek, Staffordshire.[1]
Turner-Webster started her career at Signal Radio,[1] writing, producing and presenting on-air features including film, travel and book reviews. She also wrote for magazines including OK!.
A part-time actress, while appearing in pantomime Cinderella, she was spotted by a producer from UK cable channel L!VE TV.[1] Moving to London, she became a news reporter for sports and fashion. She then hosted her own shows Videobox and psychic phone-in Revelations with Nina.
Chosen to take over hosting Channel 4’s Absolutely Animals from Dani Behr,[1] the show was a fore-runner to Pet Rescue which Turner-Webster hosted for 7 years.[1] Spin-offs included The Pet Rescue Roadshow and Family Pet Rescue, now revoiced for repeat on Animal Planet.
Turner-Webster's other TV projects include BBC One's Your Kids Are In Charge, presented with sister Anthea. She has also presented several episodes of The Last Word for Central Television, and the BBC documentary about domestic violence, Hitting Home.[1]
Turner-Webster currently presents You Do Too for Nick Jr.
Turner-Webster does not eat or wear animals and is Patron of The Vegan Society, Viva! and The Vegetarian Society.[1] In 2001, Turner-Webster wrote on behalf of PETA to the Duke of Kent as president of the Scout Association, requesting that they retire the Angling badge on grounds of cruelty to animals. The proposal was rejected.[2] In 2006 she launched on-line footwear company "Secret Goddess", which specialised in ultra glamorous boots and shoes of non-animal origin. In November 2010 Wendy became the patron of Chancepixies Animal Rescue, a Charity dedicated to Educate, Rescue and take Action to prevent dogs in the UK from finding themselves unwanted, abused and killed. [3] [4] [5]
Her first marriage in her early 20's fell apart after five years due to issues of domestic violence. She now speaks on domestic violence issues on behalf of various causes.[6]
Whilst playing Maid Marian in pantomime Turner-Webster fell in love with actor Gary Webster, who starred in Family Affairs. They married in 1999 and have two sons, Jack and Freddie. The family lives in Surrey.[1]