Laura Woods has established herself as a prominent figure in the sports broadcasting industry in the United Kingdom. Her career trajectory, marked by versatility and a natural on-screen presence, has made her a popular and respected voice across various platforms, from television to radio. This article delves into her professional journey, exploring her key roles, achievements, and what makes her a standout personality in the world of sports media.
Early Career and Rise at Sky Sports
Born on July 2, 1987, Laura Woods embarked on her career in sports broadcasting after graduating from Kingston University with a degree in print journalism. Her initial foray into the industry began at Sky Sports in 2009, where she started as a runner. Demonstrating dedication and talent, she steadily climbed the ranks, taking on roles as an editorial assistant, followed by positions in production as an assistant producer, associate producer, and producer.
Her on-screen presenting career at Sky Sports commenced with behind-the-scenes interviews for their darts coverage on YouTube, showcasing her ability to connect with interviewees and engage an online audience. This marked the beginning of her transition to a more public-facing role.
Transition to Prominent On-Screen Roles
From her initial YouTube work, Woods’ presenting career gained momentum. She took on roles such as presenting the Saturday morning children’s show “Game Changers,” which broadened her experience and demonstrated her ability to connect with a younger audience. Her involvement with NFL coverage and the Soccer AM online presenting team further expanded her portfolio, including a trip to Euro 2016 where she broadcast live on Facebook daily.
By 2018, Woods became a familiar face on Sky Sports’ flagship “Super Sunday” coverage as a regular pitch-side reporter, often working alongside prominent figures like Gary Neville. Her natural interviewing skills and insightful reporting quickly made her a valuable asset to Sky’s football coverage. She eventually left Sky Sports in 2022 after more than a decade with the broadcaster.
Leading the Breakfast Show on talkSPORT
In March 2020, Woods took on a significant role in radio, becoming the main presenter for talkSPORT’s breakfast show, initially presenting from Monday to Wednesday. This move positioned her as a leading voice in sports radio, engaging with a large audience on a daily basis. Her tenure on the breakfast show was successful, contributing to record listening figures and earning her and the show accolades, including the Best Speech Breakfast Show at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards (ARIAS) in 2021.
Woods’ engaging style and rapport with her fellow presenters, such as Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor, made the breakfast show a popular listen. However, in June 2023, she announced her departure from the breakfast show, with her final show airing on June 28, 2023.
New Horizons with TNT Sports and ITV
Following her departure from talkSPORT, Woods joined TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) in July 2023 as the lead presenter for their UEFA Champions League and boxing coverage. This marked a significant step in her career, fronting major European football competitions and high-profile boxing events.
In addition to her role with TNT Sports, Woods has also been a key part of ITV’s sports coverage. She joined Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell on an hour-long NFL highlights show on ITV in August 2022, although she was later replaced by Craig Doyle in September 2023. Notably, she was the lead presenter for ITV’s coverage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, further showcasing her versatility across different sports.
Awards and Recognition
Laura Woods’ contributions to sports broadcasting have been recognized with prestigious awards. She was named the Sports Journalists’ Association (SJA) Sports Presenter of the Year in both 2021 and 2022, highlighting her excellence in the field. Additionally, her work on talkSPORT’s breakfast show contributed to the program winning the Best Speech Breakfast Show at the 2021 ARIAS, often referred to as the “Oscars of UK radio and audio.” In November 2023, she also received the Presenter of the Year award at the Broadcast Sport Awards for her work with ITV Sport.
FAQs
Who is Laura Woods?
Laura Woods is a British sports presenter renowned for her work with Sky Sports, talkSPORT, ITV, and TNT Sports. She has covered major sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Laura began her career at Sky Sports in 2009 and has since become a leading figure in sports broadcasting.
What is Laura Woods’ age and background?
Born on July 2, 1987, Laura is 37 years old as of 2024. She hails from Dagenham, England, and studied print journalism at Kingston University. Her early career involved roles at Sky Sports, where she progressed from a runner to a presenter.
What are Laura Woods’ notable career achievements?
Laura has hosted talkSPORT’s breakfast show, presented for ITV’s NFL coverage, and currently leads TNT Sports’ UEFA Champions League and boxing broadcasts. She has been recognized as the SJA Sports Presenter of the Year and is known for her dynamic and relatable presenting style.
Is Laura Woods married?
Laura Woods is not married. She is engaged to former Love Island contestant Adam Collard. The couple announced their engagement in September 2024 and welcomed their first child, a son named Leo Ernie Collard, in January 2025.
What is Laura Woods’ net worth?
Laura Woods has an estimated net worth of £2 million. Her income stems from her successful career in sports broadcasting, including roles with major networks and hosting high-profile sporting events.
Has Laura Woods faced any personal challenges?
Yes, Laura has dealt with significant personal challenges, including being harassed by a female stalker for two years. The stalker was eventually jailed. Laura has also spoken out against online trolling and advocates for mental health awareness, especially concerning the impact of social media.
What is Laura Woods’ educational background?
Laura studied print journalism at Kingston University. Her academic background provided a strong foundation for her career in sports media.
What is Laura Woods’ social media presence?
Laura is active on social media platforms like Instagram, where she shares insights into her professional work and personal life. She has a significant following and uses her platform to engage with fans and advocate for causes she supports.
What are Laura Woods’ future career plans?
While specific future plans have not been publicly disclosed, Laura continues to be a leading sports presenter with TNT Sports and is expected to remain a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.
To conclude
Laura Woods’ journey from a journalism student to a leading sports broadcaster is marked by her dedication, versatility, and resilience. Her ability to connect with audiences, coupled with her professional achievements, has solidified her status in the sports media industry. Despite facing personal challenges, including harassment and online trolling, Laura has remained steadfast in her career and advocacy efforts. Her engagement to Adam Collard and the birth of their son, Leo, mark a new chapter in her personal life, reflecting her growth both professionally and personally. As she continues to navigate the dynamic world of sports broadcasting, Laura Woods stands as a testament to perseverance and excellence in the media landscape.
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