Alison Mitchell is a ground-breaking radio and television presenter known for her personal passion for sport. She is the country's first female ball by ball cricket commentator on Test Match Special and has toured the world providing coverage of the England Test team for the BBC. She also presents sport on the flagship Today programme on BBC Radio 4. Mitchell initially worked as a runner for Channel 4 Cricket, where she worked alongside the likes of commentary legend Richie Benaud. Moving on to work on the other side of the microphone she became a radio reporter and presenter for BBC Sport, eventually moving into commentary and also becoming the co-presenter of The Phil Tufnell Cricket Show on Five Live.
Mitchell made her first on air appearance at BBC Radio Leicester before moving to the BBC’s Asian Network where she provided sports coverage for the UK’s national Asian community. Showcasing her skills as a versatile and engaging radio and television presenter from her earliest moments Mitchell was always drawn toward the world of sport and covered her first Test match in 2003. During her career as a radio presenter Alison Mitchell has covered some of the world’s most exciting and nail biting sporting events. She has reported from numerous Cricket World Cups and Ashes series as well as commentating for the BBC at Wimbledon, the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. Alongside this Mitchell also works in print journalism, contributing to The Times and the Wisden Cricketer among others.
Alison is remembered by many for conducting the final interview with England batsman and Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who died in suspicious circumstances in 2007. In her capacity as a radio and television presenter as well as published journalist Alison Mitchell provided the entirety of the BBC’s breaking coverage of the police enquiry in Woolmer’s suspected murder after she broke the news of his death and found herself the only BBC journalist in Jamaica at the time. Representing Northamptonshire and the Midlands in amateur hockey Alison Mitchell’s interest in sport extends beyond her work as a journalist and radio presenter. She previously held the position of Captain of Nottingham University’s Hockey Club and she continues to participate in a number of sporting activities such as cycling, tennis and horse riding.
How to hire Alison Mitchell
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Alison Mitchell for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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See the feedback that Alison received from the events in which she appeared:
"Alison was the first foreign guest speaker at our Dean’s Lecture. She shared her pathway to success with a very diverse audience ranging from the academic community to national, regional and local sport industry stakeholders. From the feedback I received, our guests were particularly impressed with Alison's ability to personalise her delivery and engage with the audience, yet showcase her impressive international track record, and path towards it." - Hans, Victoria University, Melbourne
"It was a total joy to work with Alison when she hosted the Women of the Future Summit. She was a true professional engaging with us in the run up to the event. Her preparation was fantastic. She was the perfect host - articulate, engaging and warm. She ensured that all the speakers were involved and enabled the audience to participate with ease. She has grace and style and we would definitely use her again." - Pinky, Women of the Future
"Alison hosted the ECB England Cricketer of the Year Awards 2014, which was a glittering occasion with all the game's key players and administrators. She was professional, charming and courteous, and managed to extract some amusing and sensible comments from the award winners. It was an immensely successful evening thanks to her. She is extremely knowledgeable about the game, and is the preeminent female commentator." - Giles, England and Wales Cricket Board
"Alison hosted the inaugural Celebration of Disability Cricket event in the Investec Media Centre at Lords in November 2014. Alison was my first choice when thinking about a host for the event. Her passion for the sport and the level of professionalism that she displayed in preparing for the event and researching the subject confirmed that I made the right choice. Alison was easily able to ensure that a semi-formal event was delivered in a relaxed yet business like manner, ensuring that key points were delivered. Her easy going nature put everyone at ease and I have no hesitation in recommending Alison to any organisation looking for a confident, accomplished and professional host." - Ian, England and Wales Cricket Board
