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Laura Hamilton
Laura Hamilton
from Wikipedia

Laura Jane Hamilton (born 24 April 1982) is an English television presenter, property expert and entrepreneur. She began her career on children's television, presenting shows such as Fun Song Factory and on Nickelodeon. She participated in series six of Dancing on Ice in 2011, finishing in second place.

Key Information

Since February 2012, Hamilton has been a presenter of Channel 4's A Place in the Sun[2] and also co-presented Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs for Channel 5 in 2015. In 2022 she joined ITV1's This Morning presenting Live features on location.

Early life and early career

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Hamilton grew up in Dartford, Kent. After gaining A-Levels at Dartford Grammar School for Girls, she turned down an offer to study law and psychology at university for a one-year contract at Channel 4 television, as a runner for Dermot O'Leary. She left Channel 4 after her contract ended and worked as an Assistant Floor Manager on productions including Top of the Pops, The Buckingham Palace Jubilee Celebrations, The Games, T4, Party in the Park, Robbie Williams at Knebworth and Big Brother. She then went on to work as a 2nd/3rd Assistant Director on TV shows including Family Affairs, The Bill, and films including Harry Potter and Stardust. She worked behind the camera for four years in assistant roles before making her on-screen TV debut.

She has also worked for production companies and broadcasters including ITV, Channel 5, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Disney XD.

Television and film career

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Her first break in front of the camera came as 'Melody' in the popular pre-school show Fun Song Factory for CITV, which she played for two and a half years until the show ended in 2006.[3] She had appeared alongside Aston Merrygold from JLS on Fun Song Factory.[4] She also appeared in the films Dead Man's Cards in 2006 and Magicians in 2007. She was also the face of Citibank for their European campaign.[5]

In 2006, Hamilton became the female face of kids' TV channel Nickelodeon, and presented Nickheads, Slime Across the UK in summer 2007, and ME:TV (LIVE) for the channel. She also presented the Nickelodeon UK Kids' Choice Awards, with McFly in 2007, and Dannii Minogue in 2008.[6]

In March 2008, Hamilton started guest presenting on GMTV's Toonattik. She was involved in the Endemol-produced The Bratz Design Academy in late 2008 where children got to become fashion designers and design a dress that she wore to an awards ceremony. In 2009, Hamilton co-hosted the UK version of Staraoke on Boomerang with Nigel Clarke.[7]

On 18 December 2010, Hamilton was revealed as one of the 16 celebrities to participate in ITV1's flagship show, Dancing on Ice in 2011.[8]

In early 2011, amongst a few others, she was in discussions with Simon Cowell to present The Xtra Factor that year. She decided to quit her job with Nickelodeon to move away from children's television.[9]

On 4 October 2011, Hamilton appeared on the Channel 5 show Real Food Family Cook Off as a guest judge alongside chef Ainsley Harriott.[10] On 17 February 2012, Hamilton appeared in Series 11 of The Real Hustle, as a participant.[11]

On 24 March 2012, Hamilton appeared on Winter Wipeout's first celebrity special.[12][13] She failed to progress to the "Wipeout Zone" final, after being eliminated in 4th place at the 'Winter Blunderland' stage. On 13 December 2012, Hamilton appeared on Celebrity Eggheads alongside Alistair Appleton, Simon O'Brien, Ed Hall and Angus Purden in the "house and home experts" team.

Her show Beat My Build aired on Channel 4 in November 2013. In 2014, she participated in the first series of The Jump and left the competition on day 5, after narrowly losing the ski jump-off against Donal MacIntyre.[14]

Recent work

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Hamilton presented the revived series of Fort Boyard for CITV, now called Fort Boyard: Ultimate Challenge, which also aired on Disney XD in the USA.[15] She co-hosted alongside American actor, Geno Segers in series 1 & 2 and former Blue Peter presenter, Andy Akinwolere from series 3 to 5. The show was not renewed for a 6th series in 2015.

On 24 August 2011, it was announced in Hello Magazine that Hamilton would be joining the team of Channel 4's award-winning show, A Place in the Sun.[16] Her first episode aired on 6 February 2012.

Laura presents outside feature broadcasts and viewer competitions including for ITV's This Morning. Hamilton regularly writes for A Place in the Sun magazine and also reviews hotels for national publications.

Dancing on Ice

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Hamilton took part and came second place in the 2011 series of popular ITV show Dancing on Ice with Canadian professional Colin Ratushniak. They were top of the leaderboard four times during the competition; Qualifier 1 with a score of 19.5 out of 30, week 4 with a score of 25.5 out of 30, week 5 with a score of 25.5 out of 30 and week 7 with a score of 28.5 out of 30/57.0 out of 60.

In week 7 of the competition, Hamilton captained a team in the 'team challenge'. The judges decided her group's performance was the better of the two and thus, every skater in her team had their points doubled, therefore Hamilton and Ratushniak's score for that week was 57.0 out of a possible 60.

They were only the fourth couple in Dancing on Ice history to achieve a perfect score of 30.0 out of 30.0 when they performed their favourite routine to "I'm So Excited" in the Final. They came second place overall. She also took part in Dancing on Ice: The Tour 2011 along with Ratushniak.

Performances and results

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Charity work

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Hamilton is an ambassador for the charities WellChild and the Children's Trust, Tadworth.[citation needed]

Personal life

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Hamilton lives in Surrey with her children.[17]

In 2017, she rescued her local village shop in Purley and created 'Lord Roberts on The Green'.[18] She sold it four years later.[19]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Laura Hamilton (born 24 April 1982) is an English , property expert, and entrepreneur, best known for her long-running role as a host on Channel 4's A Place in the Sun since 2011. Born in and raised in the village of , she attended Dartford Grammar School before beginning her career in children's television, including presenting on in 2006 and serving as a presenter for in 2007. With a passion for property ignited early—she began renovating homes at age 19—Hamilton has since become a prominent figure in the property and travel media landscape, having assisted numerous house hunters in overseas locations through her work on A Place in the Sun and its spin-offs like Summer Sun and Winter Sun. Hamilton's television career expanded beyond property shows to include reality competitions, where she finished as runner-up on ITV's in 2011 and participated in The Jump in 2014. She has also co-presented programs such as Cowboy Builders on Channel 5 and appeared on Fort Boyard and Beat the Builder. As an entrepreneur, she has renovated over 20 properties, launched the educational platform My Property Abroad focused on buying and renovating homes in and the Balearics, and hosts the The Mile Fly Club, which explores and topics. In 2017, she rescued the village shop Lord Roberts on the Green in Purley, . In July 2025, she purchased a property in . Additionally, Hamilton is training for her private pilot's licence, reflecting her adventurous spirit. In her personal life, Hamilton was married to Alex Goward from 2009 until their separation in 2022; they share two children, son (born 2014) and daughter Tahlia (born 2015). She has been open about balancing her demanding career with motherhood, defending her frequent travel for work against online criticism while emphasizing the importance of her professional fulfillment. Since early 2024 (as of 2024), she has been in a relationship with businessman James Pettigrew.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Laura Hamilton was born on 24 April 1982 in , . She grew up in the nearby village of , where she enjoyed a rural childhood surrounded by the countryside, balancing village life with easy access to and the coast. From a young age, Hamilton showed a strong inclination toward performance, often staying busy with after-school dancing classes, and her friends predicted she would pursue a stage career. Her family background played a significant role in shaping her interests. Hamilton's father, Ian Hamilton, is a who performed as Great Uncle Bulgaria in the 1970s pop band , alongside composer , and he occasionally continues to gig. Inspired by her father's involvement, she even sang with his band during her youth. Ian also held a private pilot's license, which later influenced Hamilton's own pursuit of flying lessons. Additionally, Hamilton has Scottish heritage through her paternal grandfather, with whom she shared cherished family time in Fort William during her childhood, creating lasting memories of the . Hamilton's early family life fostered her passion for the , setting the foundation for her future career in television. She has spoken fondly of the strong bond with her grandfather, who passed away in August 2020 at the age of 89, highlighting the emotional impact of her family's influence on her personal and professional development.

Education and initial interests

Laura Hamilton attended Dartford Grammar School for Girls in , , where she completed her secondary education and A-levels. During her time there, she developed a strong interest in , particularly , which was influenced by her father's career as a who performed as Great Uncle Bulgaria in the musical group alongside . However, her academic focus and enthusiasm for theatre made her a target for , leading to significant emotional challenges, including feelings of isolation that she later described as deeply impacting her confidence. Upon finishing her A-levels at age 18, Hamilton received a university offer to study law and psychology but declined it in favor of a one-year runner apprenticeship at Channel 4, marking her entry into the television industry. This decision reflected her early passion for broadcasting and on-screen performance, as she balanced her studies with initial backstage roles, such as assisting on programs like Big Brother and The Games. Her initial interests extended beyond academics to stage and screen aspirations, including dreams of performing in Broadway musicals, driven by her experiences in dancing and singing from a young age. This path ultimately steered her away from higher education toward a professional career in media.

Professional career

Early television work

Hamilton began her television career at the age of 18, working behind the scenes as a runner for Channel 4 on high-profile programs including Top of the Pops, Big Brother, and the Harry Potter film series. She spent approximately four years in these production roles, gaining practical experience in the industry before transitioning to on-screen presenting, encouraged by colleagues such as Dermot O'Leary and Vernon Kay. Her first on-screen role came in 2004 when she was cast as , a character with a passion for , on CITV's preschool program , where she presented musical segments and interacted with child guests over a two-year run until 2006. The show, aimed at young audiences, helped establish her as a familiar face in children's television. Following , Hamilton became a prominent presenter on , hosting shows such as Slime Across the UK and Nickheads from 2006 to 2008, which involved live events, challenges, and entertainment for children. She also served as the female face of the channel during this period, contributing to its morning programming. In 2008, she co-hosted Staraoke on , a karaoke-style competition featuring animated characters and young performers, which aired until 2009. Additionally, Hamilton made guest appearances as a presenter on GMTV's children's block , further building her profile in youth-oriented broadcasting before her breakthrough in lifestyle television. These early roles solidified her expertise in engaging young audiences and paved the way for more diverse presenting opportunities.

Breakthrough in property and lifestyle presenting

Laura Hamilton transitioned into property and lifestyle presenting in 2011, marking a pivotal shift from her earlier work in children's television to a role that aligned with her longstanding personal passion for real estate. At the age of 29, she joined Channel 4's long-running series A Place in the Sun as a presenter, where she guides through international property markets, showcasing homes in destinations like , , and . This opportunity arose from her demonstrated expertise in property renovation, having purchased and flipped her first home entirely self-funded at just 19 years old, which honed her skills in and . Her debut on A Place in the Sun quickly established her as a key figure in the genre, blending her energetic on-screen presence with practical insights into overseas buying processes, such as legal considerations and potential. Hamilton's approach emphasizes and value-driven investments, reflecting her experience renovating over 20 properties. The show's , which involves on-location viewings and negotiations, allowed her to leverage her travel enthusiasm, turning each episode into an engaging lifestyle narrative that appeals to viewers seeking aspirational homeownership abroad. By 2025, Hamilton's tenure on the program had spanned 14 years, solidifying her reputation as a trusted expert and contributing to the show's enduring popularity in . This breakthrough not only elevated her profile but also paved the way for subsequent ventures in lifestyle media, where she continues to for accessible development and global relocation trends. Her success underscores a career trajectory built on authentic expertise rather than formal training, positioning her as an influential voice in the intersection of and entertainment.

Participation in Dancing on Ice

Laura Hamilton competed in the sixth series of the ITV reality show , which ran from to 2011. As a rising known for her work on children's programming, she entered the competition to challenge herself with , a skill she had no prior experience in. Hamilton was partnered with Canadian professional skater Colin Ratushniak, and the duo quickly gained attention for their chemistry and her enthusiastic performances. Throughout the series, Hamilton and Ratushniak progressed steadily, avoiding early eliminations and building momentum with improving scores from judges. They performed a variety of routines, including a notable 1980s-themed skate in week six to Billy Idol's "," which showcased her growing confidence on the ice. By the semi-finals in week ten, they executed two strong routines, including a daring headbanger lift that drew praise for its precision and thrill, securing their spot in the final. Their performances consistently highlighted Hamilton's ability to execute complex lifts despite her novice status, earning her fan support and high placements. In the grand final on 27 March 2011, Hamilton and Ratushniak skated to the iconic "" routine, a technically demanding piece that had previously been performed by winning couples. Despite delivering what was described as an impressive and emotional performance, they finished as runners-up to and his partner Brianne Delcourt. Hamilton later reflected on the experience as transformative, crediting it with boosting her profile in entertainment. Following the series, she joined the : The Tour 2011 alongside Ratushniak, performing select routines for live audiences across the .

Other television appearances and recent projects

Hamilton has appeared on ITV's Fort Boyard across five series and presented Beat My Build on in 2013, a competition show where participants renovated properties and competed for prizes. In 2015, she co-presented the Channel 5 series Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs, a programme focused on helping homeowners resolve issues caused by unreliable builders and substandard renovations. Since 2022, she has made regular appearances on ITV's This Morning, where she presents live location reports, property segments, and competitions, drawing on her expertise in real estate and travel. That same year, Hamilton hosted her own mini-series Laura Hamilton's Unique Homes on ITV, exploring distinctive and unconventional properties across the UK, such as converted industrial spaces and eco-friendly builds. Hamilton has made guest appearances on various other programmes, including Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch in 2020, where she discussed property trends, and BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show in 2018 as a panellist. In 2019, she participated in Kirstie's Celebrity Craft Masters on Hobbycraft's YouTube channel, showcasing her creative skills in crafting. Additionally, in 2014, she competed in the winter sports reality series The Jump on Channel 4, training in skiing and skeleton events before withdrawing due to injury. As of 2025, Hamilton continues her presenting work with ongoing contributions to This Morning and spin-off formats related to property shows, while embarking on personal renovation projects, such as restoring a in Majorca, which she has shared aspects of through media interviews.

Business ventures and property expertise

Property development and investments

Laura Hamilton began her foray into property investment at a young age, acquiring her first buy-to-let at 19, which laid the foundation for her extensive experience in . Over the subsequent two decades, she has personally developed and renovated more than 20 properties across the and abroad, emphasizing , travel-inspired aesthetics, and practical functionality to enhance both value and livability. Her hands-on approach to renovations often involves transforming outdated spaces into modern, family-oriented homes, informed by her professional background in property presenting. A key early investment was her family's holiday home in San Pedro, Marbella, , purchased in to serve as a long-term retreat and rental asset, reflecting her interest in international markets even before her television career focused on overseas properties. This property underscored her strategy of balancing personal use with income generation through holiday lets, a model she has replicated in subsequent projects. In August 2024, Hamilton marked a milestone by acquiring her first overseas renovation project—a finca in Pollensa, —positioning it as her 21st overall development and a holiday home abroad. The ongoing renovation, documented in her series My Renovation in the Sun, includes structural alterations such as removing internal walls to create open-plan living areas, alongside updates to flooring, windows, and industrial-style finishes aimed at and resale potential. By early 2025, the project had progressed significantly, with Hamilton highlighting challenges like unexpected delays while praising the location's investment viability due to rising demand in the [Balearic Islands](/page/Balearic Islands). Expanding her portfolio further in 2025, Hamilton purchased an off-plan apartment in , an area she promotes for its high rental yields, luxury amenities, and appeal to international investors. She has spent considerable time in over the preceding year, managing the development remotely and viewing the acquisition as a diversification strategy amid fluctuating UK markets, with potential for strong capital appreciation in the region's booming skyline. These ventures demonstrate her investment philosophy of prioritizing locations with lifestyle benefits and , often integrating eco-friendly elements like energy-efficient materials to assets.

Entrepreneurship and media production

In addition to her property work, Hamilton launched My Property Abroad, an educational platform providing guidance on buying, renovating, and managing overseas properties. Focused initially on and the , it has expanded to include , offering step-by-step advice to help buyers avoid common pitfalls and navigate international markets. Laura Hamilton has expanded her career into through media production, notably by launching and co-producing her own and vodcast series. In September 2024, she introduced The Mile Fly Club, a and that features interviews with celebrities and experts, offering insights into high-profile journeys, personal stories, and practical advice. The series, which Hamilton co-produces, emphasizes behind-the-scenes narratives and has garnered positive reception for its engaging format, with episodes covering topics like Olympic achievements, pop music careers, and climate challenges through guests such as Dame and . As host and co-producer, Hamilton leverages her television experience to blend storytelling with entrepreneurial opportunities, including sponsorships that align with travel and lifestyle brands. The podcast's second season premiered in May 2025, featuring high-profile interviewees like , demonstrating its growing impact in the digital media landscape. This venture highlights her role in beyond traditional , positioning her as an entrepreneur who balances production responsibilities with on-air presence. Hamilton's media production efforts extend to strategic partnerships, such as collaborations with brands like Florette for travel-inspired content integrated into the , further illustrating her in monetizing digital platforms. Through The Mile Fly Club, she has cultivated an audience interested in authentic, experiential content, marking a significant step in her diversification from property-focused presenting to multifaceted media .

Philanthropy

Charity partnerships and events

Laura Hamilton has been an ambassador for WellChild, a UK charity supporting seriously ill children and their families, for over 14 years. In this role, she has participated in various fundraising activities, including hosting the England vs. Algeria World Cup screening event in London during the charity's partnership with the England football team, presenting at fundraising events, and attending the annual WellChild Awards. In April 2024, Hamilton ran the TCS to raise funds for WellChild, describing the event as a significant personal achievement and expressing her long-term commitment to the organization. As a supporter of The Children's Trust, a charity providing care and support for children with brain injuries and neurodisabilities, Hamilton launched the "Dress to Impress for Less" initiative in January 2024. This competition ran across the organization's charity shops in and , encouraging shoppers to create outfits from pre-loved items, share photos on for a 10% discount, and enter to win vouchers judged by Hamilton, promoting while generating funds for the charity's services. Her involvement highlights her focus on community-based efforts that align with her public persona as a style-conscious . In September 2025, Hamilton hosted the "Who's Cooking Dinner?" gala at Hotel in , a high-profile culinary event organized in support of Leukaemia . The evening featured top chefs preparing a multi-course menu for guests, raising £330,000 for research into leukaemia treatments and patient support. Hamilton's hosting role emphasized the event's blend of and , drawing on her experience in media to engage attendees and amplify the charity's mission. Hamilton also lent her presenting skills to the South East Cancer Help Centre (SECHC), a charity providing holistic support to cancer patients in . On October 2, 2025, she hosted a sold-out at Surrey National Golf Club, featuring styles from local boutique The Fashion Basement. The event combined runway presentations with auctions and networking opportunities, directly benefiting SECHC's programs for emotional and practical cancer care.

Advocacy and personal contributions

Laura Hamilton has been a dedicated ambassador for WellChild, a UK charity supporting seriously ill children and their families, since at least 2010. In this role, she has actively participated in various fundraising and awareness-raising activities, including hosting a special screening event for the England vs. Algeria World Cup match in London, where WellChild was the beneficiary charity for the England football team. She has also attended high-profile receptions, such as one at 10 Downing Street in support of the organization, and regularly attends the annual WellChild Awards to celebrate the achievements of courageous children and highlight the charity's impactful work. Additionally, Hamilton has leveraged her media presence to promote WellChild's initiatives through features in publications like OK! Magazine. One of her most notable personal contributions came in April 2024, when Hamilton completed the London Marathon to raise funds for WellChild, marking a significant physical and emotional challenge as she had never previously enjoyed . Despite admitting to moments of doubt and "" during the race, she finished the event, drawing on her 14-year association with the charity for motivation and emphasizing the importance of supporting families facing life-limiting conditions in children. This effort not only generated substantial donations but also amplified awareness of WellChild's mission to improve the for seriously ill young people across the . Hamilton's advocacy extends to other children's charities, including serving as an for Dreams in 2015, where she backed the Dream Tea fundraising campaign to help fulfill wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. She promoted the appeal, which sought to grant 25 dreams during the period, by sharing her involvement as a mother and to inspire donations and participation. Earlier, in 2013, she joined a group trip to Lapland organized by When You Wish Upon a Star, accompanying seriously ill children on a magical holiday experience to create lasting memories and provide respite for their families. These efforts underscore her ongoing personal investment in granting joy and support to vulnerable young people through targeted charitable actions.

Personal life

Family and relationships

In 2012, Hamilton married Alex Goward, an , in a ceremony at the . The couple welcomed their first child, son , in 2013, followed by daughter Tahlia in 2015. As of 2025, Rocco is 11 years old and Tahlia is 10. Hamilton and Goward announced their separation in 2022 after nearly a decade of marriage, stating that the decision was mutual and focused on co-parenting their children effectively. The former couple maintains a positive co-parenting relationship, with Hamilton emphasizing the importance of stability for Rocco and Tahlia. Since early 2024, Hamilton has been in a relationship with businessman James Pettigrew, who was separated from his wife at the time; she has clarified that no occurred. Hamilton experienced a family loss in August 2020 when her grandfather passed away at age 89 from complications; she attended the funeral virtually via Zoom due to travel restrictions while filming abroad.

Health challenges and residences

Laura Hamilton has been open about her diagnosis with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare autoimmune disorder that results in a low platelet count in the blood, leading to increased bruising and bleeding risks. In June 2024, she shared images of severe bruising on her legs caused by the condition during a family holiday, emphasizing how it can flare up unpredictably and requires ongoing monitoring. Hamilton manages ITP through lifestyle adjustments and medical advice, noting that while it does not severely limit her professional travel, it demands caution to avoid injuries. Additionally, she has spoken about living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes , , and irregular bowel movements, particularly challenging given her frequent international travel for work. Hamilton controls her IBS symptoms by avoiding trigger foods like and , incorporating regular exercise, and using stress-reduction techniques, which she credits for improving her overall . Hamilton's family history includes health challenges, as her mother was diagnosed with at age 28, an experience that influenced her resilience in facing her own conditions. Regarding residences, Hamilton previously lived in a renovated home in Purley, , which she reconfigured for practicality while raising her children. By 2024, she had relocated her to a six-bedroom townhouse in Pollensa, , , purchased in August of that year and undergoing extensive renovations to blend modern amenities with local charm. This move reflects her passion for overseas property, allowing her more time in a Mediterranean setting she has long admired through her professional travels. She also maintains a home in San Pedro, near , , acquired over 13 years ago as a retreat, chosen for its proximity to beaches and amenities before her television career focused on international . In July 2025, Hamilton expanded her property portfolio by purchasing an apartment in , where she has spent increasing time exploring business opportunities and enjoying the city's vibrant lifestyle.

References

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