Julia Roberts (born 10 June 1956) is a British television presenter best known as a home‑shopping host on the QVC channel in the United Kingdom. She has been associated with QTV since the launch of the network in October 1993 and remains one of its original on‑air personalities.
Early career
Roberts began her professional life as a cabaret dancer, performing with the comedy duo Cannon and Ball during a summer season in Guernsey. She subsequently appeared on television supporting the act and took part in a variety of supporting roles, including guest spots on the sitcom Citizen Smith and the science‑fiction series Doctor Who (1979). Her performance experience also extended to Christmas pantomimes, cruise‑liner entertainment, and a cabaret engagement in Hong Kong where she sang and danced.
Advertising and early television work
Returning to the United Kingdom, Roberts featured in several television commercials, notably for the Woolwich Building Society and Head & Shoulders shampoo. In 1980 she was invited to join the group The Main Event for the United Kingdom’s Eurovision Song Contest entry “I’m Gonna Do My Best To Please You”, which placed last in the competition. She later worked as a hostess on The Price Is Right with Leslie Crowther and appeared on Beadle’s About as part of the “Hit Squad” segment.
Transition to presenting
After the birth of her first child, Daniel, Roberts moved to South London with her husband, Chris. When Croydon Cable began local cable‑television services, she submitted an audition tape based on her experience presenting at the 1989 Vauxhall Motors Motor Show. The audition secured her a reporting role, after which she hosted a magazine‑style program for the cable channel. During this period she also presented football‑related content for Crystal Palace F.C., becoming a season‑ticket holder and occasional columnist for Palace News.
QVC career
In 1993 Roberts auditioned for the newly established QVC UK. She presented a pilot segment featuring a mobile phone and a pencil, which led to her regular role on the channel’s launch. Alongside co‑presenter Jon Briggs, she has remained a continuous presence on QVC since its inception, making her one of the two original presenters still active. Roberts has also served as a judge for QVC’s “Search for a Presenter” competition, helping to select Craig Rowe as the winner.
Other activities
Roberts has performed occasional acting and singing duties, and has contributed written columns related to football. She is recognized for her long‑standing involvement with QVC and her earlier work in entertainment and advertising.
References
- “Julia Roberts”. shoppingtelly.com (archived 14 June 2007).
- “Julia Roberts”. excellentvoice.co.uk (archived 16 December 2019).
- “Meet the Judges”. QVC UK (archived 26 May 2007).