TV's Strictly provides exciting opportunities for its new hosts… and UoG students

With its new line-up of presenters announced this week, Strictly Come Dancing and other major TV productions have also been providing fresh and exciting opportunities for University of Gloucestershire students and graduates.

Students and graduates of BA (Hons) Film and Television Production are gaining industry experience on paid work placements across a range of television production roles, including development, research and technical support on live and recorded broadcasts.

While TV presenter Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe and professional dancer Johannes Radebe prepare to debut as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, University student Mollie George reflected on her time working on the BBC’s hit show.

Mollie said: “My time spent with the sound team at Strictly Come Dancing provided me with an insightful look into the television industry and helped me utilise the skills I’ve learnt whilst being at university.

“Being in the professional studio environment at Elstree Studios helped me realise how similar what I’ve learnt since being at UoG is to real industry practices and has also confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in live TV.  It was a great experience and will stay with me throughout my career.”

Shortly after graduating from the University, Anastazia Pieniazek worked as a researcher on the Eurovision Song Contest – won last Sunday by Bulgaria – supporting teams responsible for the opening sequence, interval performances and casting.

Other students and graduates have also secured roles across major television productions, including as a Technical Trainee covering the Wimbledon tennis championships, a Task Researcher on The Traitors, and undertaking shadowing opportunities on Britain’s Got Talent.

These opportunities are providing students and graduates with experience of working within professional production environments alongside established industry teams, putting into practice knowledge they have gained in an academic setting.

Karen Beland, Lecturer in Film and Television Production said: “Part of our job as lecturers on the Film and TV Production course, is to give the students the skills and confidence to chase their dreams.

“We encourage them to aim high so if they want to get work experience on Strictly or Britain’s Got Talent, we support them in that ambition.

“Placements while at UoG on high-profile films and TV shows will set them apart from other students when they graduate and enter the jobs market. It’s a win-win and we are extremely proud of what they go on to achieve.”

Main picture: UoG student Mollie George sitting at the sound desk at Strictly Come Dancing