Ex-BBC Breakfast presenter and current host of quiz show Think Tank Bill Turnbull joined members and guests of the M4 Business Network last week to share stories from his 38-year career in journalism and broadcasting.

Speaking to more than 170 business representatives at the Celtic Manor Resort, Mr Turnbull revealed that his career began in South Wales, before he secured roles as a foreign correspondent covering the OJ Simpson trial and as a questionable dancer on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

After graduating with a postgraduate diploma in Journalism from Cardiff University in 1978, the broadcaster moved to Glasgow to begin his extensive career at local radio station Radio Clyde.

He then travelled to the US, became a reporter for Radio 4’s Today Programme and a BBC foreign correspondent.

He returned to the UK and turned his hand to presenting as an anchor host on BBC News 24, before landing a presenter role on the BBC Breakfast show sofa.

When asked his opinion of 2016 US presidential candidate Donald Trump the presenter, who had covered the run-up to Bill Clinton’s presidency, hesitated before referring to him as 'the guy in the bar who keeps venting off'.

Bill landed his most recognisable role as co-presenter of BBC Breakfast in 2011, alongside long-term friend and colleague Sian Williams. Engaging the crowd with incredible ease, he spoke fondly of the success of BBC Breakfast during his 12 years there, mentioning in particular how the iconic red sofa became the brand for the popular morning show.

Chairman of the event and managing partner of UHY Hacker Young, M4 Business Network’s lead sponsor, Paul Byett said: “It was a pleasure to have Bill join us and share so many fascinating stories from his incredible career. Bill’s time as a journalist and broadcaster has seen him cover the world’s biggest stories from the last 30 years, but I think it’s fair to say that his insights into life behind the news cameras, bloopers and all, were just as interesting to hear. It’s little surprise that the man who entertained the nation for over a decade would prove to be such a hit with our membership.”

The M4 Business Network has established itself as the premier networking organisation in South Wales, attracting members from along the M4 corridor. Current sponsors of the club include the South Wales Argus, University of South Wales, Newport City Council and Johnsey Estates.

The next meeting of the M4 Breakfast Network will take place at the Celtic Manor Resort on September 13. The speaker is to be announced.

The guest speaker for the November 1 event will be former England and Glamorgan cricketer, Hugh Morris.

For more information about the M4 Business Network or to join call 01633 213318 or visit www.m4businessnetwork.org.