British television has produced many well-known broadcasters over the decades, but few have enjoyed the longevity and trusted reputation of Nick Owen. For millions of viewers in the United Kingdom—particularly in the Midlands—he has been a familiar face delivering the evening news for decades.
From breakfast television fame alongside Anne Diamond to his long-running role on Midlands Today, Owen’s career reflects professionalism, dedication, and a deep commitment to journalism.
In this detailed article, we explore everything about Nick Owen: who he is, his career journey, net worth, salary, wife, children, where he lives, and his connection to Midlands Today. We will also clarify the common question about Nick Owen and Crimewatch and discuss the role of his former wife Jill Lavery in his personal life.
Who Is Nick Owen?
Nick Owen is a respected British television presenter and journalist who has spent more than five decades in broadcasting. Born on 1 November 1947 in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, Owen grew up with an interest in journalism and media.
His full name is Nicholas Corbishley Owen, though he is widely known simply as Nick Owen on television.
Owen began his career in journalism in the late 1960s and gradually worked his way into television broadcasting. Over the years, he became one of the most recognizable news presenters in the UK.
Although he has worked on national programs, Owen is especially beloved in the Midlands region because of his long association with BBC regional news.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Nick Owen’s path into broadcasting began in print journalism. After finishing school, he started working as a trainee reporter for the Doncaster Evening Post.
His early salary was modest, reportedly only £7.25 per week, which was typical for entry-level journalism jobs at the time. Despite the low pay, Owen gained valuable experience covering local news and developing reporting skills.
Soon he moved into radio journalism, joining BBC Radio Birmingham where he worked as a reporter and sports editor. This role helped him gain visibility within the BBC and eventually opened the door to television presenting.
His calm voice, professional demeanor, and approachable personality made him a natural fit for broadcast journalism.
Rise to Fame in Breakfast Television
Nick Owen became widely known during the 1980s breakfast television boom in the United Kingdom.
He joined the ITV breakfast show Good Morning Britain, where he worked alongside journalist and presenter Anne Diamond.
Their on-screen partnership proved extremely popular. Owen and Diamond quickly became one of the most recognizable television duos in Britain.
Their chemistry and relaxed style helped transform breakfast television into a mainstream viewing habit for many households.
Later, the pair reunited on the BBC program “Good Morning with Anne and Nick,” which aired from 1992 to 1996. The show continued their successful partnership and strengthened Owen’s reputation as a skilled and engaging presenter.
Nick Owen and Midlands Today
Perhaps the most defining chapter of Owen’s career began in 1997 when he joined the BBC regional news program Midlands Today.
The show covers news from across the West Midlands region, including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, Owen became one of the most recognizable regional news anchors in the UK. His calm delivery and credibility helped build trust among viewers.
Many audiences have grown up watching Owen deliver the evening news, making him a household name in the Midlands.
His long service on the program has made him one of the longest-serving regional presenters in BBC history.
Nick Owen Net Worth
Because of his long career in broadcasting, many people are curious about Nick Owen’s net worth.
Although exact figures are not publicly confirmed, media estimates suggest his wealth may be in the range of several million pounds.
His earnings have come from multiple sources, including:
- Television presenting
- Broadcasting contracts
- Media appearances
- Public speaking engagements
- Football club leadership roles
In addition to his journalism career, Owen served as chairman of Luton Town Football Club from 2008 to 2017, which further expanded his professional profile.
However, unlike many celebrity presenters, Owen has maintained a relatively modest lifestyle and rarely discusses finances publicly.
Nick Owen Salary
Another commonly searched topic is Nick Owen’s salary.
Unlike national BBC stars whose salaries are published annually, regional presenters like Owen typically have salaries that remain private.
However, media analysts suggest that regional BBC presenters usually earn significantly less than high-profile national anchors.
Given Owen’s seniority and decades of experience, it is believed that his salary falls within the upper range for regional BBC presenters, though exact figures remain undisclosed.
His career success reflects long-term stability rather than the high-profile pay packages associated with national television celebrities.
Nick Owen and Crimewatch: The Common Confusion
One question frequently asked online is about Nick Owen and Crimewatch.
However, Nick Owen was not a presenter of the BBC crime program Crimewatch.
The confusion arises because the show was hosted for many years by journalist Nick Ross, whose name is similar.
Crimewatch presenters over the years included:
- Nick Ross
- Sue Cook
- Jill Dando
- Fiona Bruce
Because of the similar first names and their roles as British broadcasters, many people mistakenly associate Nick Owen with the show.
Nick Owen Wife: Jill Lavery
Nick Owen’s personal life has also attracted public interest, particularly his relationship with Jill Lavery.
Owen married Jill Lavery in 1977, and the couple remained together for more than three decades.
During their marriage they built a family and raised four children together.
However, after more than thirty years of marriage, the couple separated and later divorced in 2009.
Despite the divorce, Owen has generally kept details of the separation private, preferring to keep his personal life away from the media spotlight.
Nick Owen’s Second Marriage
After his divorce, Owen eventually found love again.
In 2020, he married Vicki Beevers, a reflexologist. The wedding came more than a decade after his separation from Jill Lavery.
Owen publicly expressed happiness about the new chapter in his life, though he continues to maintain a relatively private personal life.
Nick Owen Children
Nick Owen is a father of four children, whom he had with Jill Lavery during their marriage.
Unlike many celebrity families, Owen’s children have largely stayed away from public attention.
Very little detailed information about them is publicly available because Owen has consistently chosen to protect their privacy.
This decision reflects his long-standing approach of separating his professional career from his family life.
Nick Owen Son
Many online searches specifically ask about Nick Owen’s son.
Although Owen has sons among his four children, their identities and careers are not widely reported in the media.
Because of this, there are few public details available.
This privacy is intentional, as Owen has always prioritized protecting his family from unnecessary public exposure.
Where Does Nick Owen Live?
Nick Owen has been closely associated with the Midlands region of England for much of his career.
Because he presents Midlands Today, he has spent many years living near Birmingham and the West Midlands area.
Living near the region he reports on allows him to stay connected with local communities and regional news.
The Midlands has essentially become Owen’s professional home, and he remains strongly linked to the area through both his broadcasting work and community involvement.
Health Challenges and Resilience
In recent years, Nick Owen has also spoken publicly about serious health challenges.
In 2023, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The news was shared publicly to raise awareness about men’s health and encourage early screening.
Later, he also underwent treatment related to kidney cancer, which required surgery.
Despite these health battles, Owen has remained optimistic and has continued his involvement in broadcasting whenever possible.
His openness about health issues has been widely praised for helping raise awareness among viewers.
Nick Owen’s Legacy in British Broadcasting
Nick Owen’s career represents one of the most enduring success stories in British journalism.
Over the course of more than 50 years in media, he has built a reputation for reliability, professionalism, and warmth.
Unlike many television personalities who constantly move between shows, Owen’s career is notable for its stability and consistency.
His role on Midlands Today has made him a trusted voice for regional news in the UK.
For many viewers in the Midlands, he is more than just a news presenter—he is a familiar presence who has delivered the day’s news for decades.
Final Thoughts
Nick Owen’s life and career illustrate the value of dedication and professionalism in journalism. From humble beginnings as a trainee reporter earning just a few pounds per week to becoming one of the most respected regional broadcasters in the UK, his journey is both inspiring and remarkable.
His work alongside Anne Diamond in breakfast television, his long-running role on Midlands Today, and his leadership role at Luton Town Football Club have all contributed to a diverse and accomplished career.
While topics such as Nick Owen’s net worth, salary, wife Jill Lavery, children, and residence in the Midlands continue to attract public interest, his true legacy lies in his decades of trusted broadcasting.
As audiences continue to follow his work, Nick Owen remains a respected figure in British television journalism.
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