Polly James

Polly James is an award-winning Welsh broadcaster and live event host, widely recognised for her work across national radio and television. She is best known as a Radio X weekend presenter and a lead reporter for Sky Sports darts, combining authority with warmth in high-pressure live environments. Her biggest achievement is establishing herself as a trusted on-screen presence at major international sporting events while maintaining a successful national radio career, something few broadcasters manage with the same consistency and personality.

Polly’s journey into broadcasting was shaped by determination rather than a traditional media pathway. Born and raised in Cardiff, she attended Stanwell Comprehensive in Penarth and initially focused on sport, competing in athletics for Wales and Great Britain at junior level. This early experience of performance and discipline laid strong foundations for her later career. After leaving school, she worked outside media before entering broadcasting through community radio stations, learning every aspect of the job from the ground up. Polly developed her skills at Afan FM, Bridge FM and Nation Radio Wales, gaining confidence on air and in live settings. Her break came when she joined Absolute Radio as an overnight national presenter, where long hours and a demanding slot sharpened her ability to connect with listeners authentically and consistently.

Her career accelerated with a return to Wales as co-host of the Capital South Wales Breakfast Show, placing her at the heart of one of the region’s most competitive radio slots. Following industry changes, Polly moved to Radio X, where she has become a familiar national voice, presenting weekend afternoon shows and chilled programming celebrated for their musical credibility and engaging tone. Her Radio X work earned a Breakfast Show of the Year nomination, reflecting both audience impact and industry respect. Alongside radio, Polly built a strong television profile as a Sky Sports reporter, specialising in darts coverage. She is now a regular fixture at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, trusted to deliver live interviews, crowd engagement and player reactions in one of sport’s most intense atmospheres.

Polly is also an accomplished live host, equally comfortable fronting brand events, music showcases and high-profile Q&As with figures such as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. She draws on real experiences from live broadcasting, sport and public scrutiny. She speaks on confidence, resilience, communication and thriving under pressure, topics that resonate strongly with modern organisations. Polly’s strength lies in her authenticity, adaptability and ability to connect quickly with any audience.