Gillian Joseph: Sky News anchor opens up about first brush with fame

By Sarah Tetteh

She has lit up our TV screens for over three decades as the London news anchor we all know and adore, but it seems Gillian Joseph was always destined for stardom. 

The super-glam Sky News at 10 anchor has become a household name after shooting to fame on Newsbeat on BBC Radio 1 in 1994, before moving to Newsroom South East, BBC London News, and now Sky News. 

Now Gillian has stunned fans by telling her story about her first brush with fame. 

Incredibly, as a youngster she got the chance of a lifetime to be a real-life Dancing Queen, and actually perform with ABBA on stage when she was just a school girl. 

Here, the dedicated mum and wife looks back at her time, in the hope it will inspire other young girls to go for their dreams. 

And it all happened by chance. Gillian, tells her story to the South London Press and Sky News today as ABBA celebrates the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision victory.

She recalls: “It was 1979. I was 10 years old and gripped in the ABBA mania that was sweeping the country.

“I had a dream, but little did I know that it would be turned into reality, as I not only got to meet my heroes but sing with them on stage at Wembley as well. 

“To honour UNICEF’s year of the child, ABBA were on the hunt for children’s choirs to perform with them. 

“I remember television presenters Keith Chegwin and Maggie Philbin coming to my school, Wembley Manor, and interviewing us. While I can’t recall all the details I do remember being sworn to secrecy.”

Mum Gillian recalls how top secret rehearsals followed in the next few days –  and before they knew it, it was time for the curtain call. 

She said: “We wrapped up the rehearsal so that we would have some time to rest before the evening performance and on the way out the most remarkable event occurred. 

“As we were leaving, Agnetha kissed me on my right cheek. Fireworks exploded and trumpets sounded, in my head at least, and I promised never to wash my face again. 

“I have since relented on that oath.”

Gillian went on to open up about how the memory of performing with ABBA will always be dear to her. 

Capturing the moment she said: “So for three nights I performed at Wembley Stadium to a jam packed arena. We were allocated family tickets and my sisters and mum came along to see us perform and enjoy the concert. 

“Each night was as thrilling as the first. I remember buying an electric blue ABBA poster which adorned my bedroom wall for many years. I still get sad as I have no idea what happened to it.

“Anyone who knows me knows that performing with ABBA is my true claim to fame. I mention it at the drop of a hat and have bored many a colleague with tales of my childhood stardom. 

“I have even mentioned it in Sky broadcasts, that’s how the documentary makers for the BBC’s When ABBA Came To Britain found me. 

“It may have been 45 years ago, but Mamma Mia, ABBA still have my heart. “

Pictured top: Gillian is one of London’s favourite news anchors after shooting to fame over three decades ago (Picture: Sky News)