Renowned broadcaster Kirsty Wark has shared joyous family news, revealing she has become a grandmother for the very first time. The 70-year-old journalist announced the happy development through a heartfelt Instagram post that quickly captured the attention of her followers and fellow media personalities.
A New Arrival in the Family
Wark's daughter, Caitlin Clements, a 35-year-old television executive, has given birth to a baby girl alongside her husband, civil servant Callum Galloway. The couple have chosen the name Maisie for their newborn daughter, marking a significant milestone for the extended family.
The veteran broadcaster, who stepped down from her long-running role on BBC's Newsnight in 2024 after more than three decades, posted a touching photograph of the sleeping infant resting peacefully in a bassinet. Accompanying the image was an emotional caption that read: 'We are all so happy the stork brought you safely here. I'm beside myself with being a grandma.'
Congratulations Flood In
The announcement prompted an outpouring of warm wishes from Wark's extensive network of colleagues and admirers within the media industry. Notable figures from the entertainment world quickly added their congratulations to the comment section of her social media post.
Lauren Laverne, presenter of The One Show, expressed her delight with the message: 'How utterly fab. Congratulations.' Meanwhile, Alan Cumming, host of The Traitors US, chimed in with: 'Congrats to all and much love.' Author Justine Picardie added her own sentiments, writing: 'So adorable! Many congratulations to you all.'
Other followers shared similar expressions of joy, with comments including: 'What a beauty and what a joy for you. Congratulations' and 'Oh Kirsty how wonderful! Congratulations such lovely news.' The collective response highlighted the widespread affection and respect held for the broadcasting veteran across different sectors of British media.
A Distinguished Broadcasting Career
Kirsty Wark's professional journey spans numerous significant achievements within British journalism and broadcasting. Beyond her notable tenure on Newsnight, she has covered multiple general elections and major international news events throughout her distinguished career.
Her broadcasting portfolio includes presenting BBC2's arts programme The Late Show, along with fronting Words with Wark and The Kirsty Wark Show. The Scottish journalist has received substantial recognition for her work, being named Journalist of the Year by BAFTA Scotland in 1993 and Best Television Presenter in 1997.
More recently, Wark was honoured with a prestigious BAFTA Fellowship last year, cementing her status as one of Britain's most respected media figures. She currently presents Front Row on BBC Radio 4 while simultaneously working on documentary projects and her third novel.
Family Life and Personal Milestones
Wark shares two children with her husband, television producer Alan Clements. Her son, James Clements, is a 33-year-old actor, while her daughter Caitlin has now entered motherhood herself. The family's expansion represents a meaningful personal chapter for the broadcaster following her departure from daily news programming.
Throughout her career, Wark has demonstrated both serious journalistic dedication and occasional lighter moments in the public eye. She notably won the Star Baker accolade on The Great British Bake Off and has made appearances on Celebrity MasterChef. Her cameo roles include playing herself in popular television series Doctor Who and Absolutely Fabulous.
A Characteristic Touch of Controversy
True to her reputation for not shying away from provocative moments, Wark once responded memorably to Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell's call for broadcasters to resume playing the national anthem. During a Newsnight broadcast, she announced they were 'incredibly happy to oblige' before playing a clip of the Sex Pistols' banned version of God Save the Queen.
The track had been prohibited by the BBC when originally released during the late Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977, making Wark's choice a characteristically bold statement that blended respect for tradition with a hint of rebellious spirit.
As she embraces grandmotherhood, Kirsty Wark continues to maintain an active presence in British media while celebrating this significant family milestone. Her announcement has been met with widespread warmth from colleagues and audiences alike, reflecting the enduring regard for one of broadcasting's most recognizable figures.
