Discover the remarkable journey of Nicki Chapman, from her early days in the music industry to becoming a renowned TV presenter and radio host in the UK. Despite facing health challenges, Chapman continues to shine in the world of entertainment and is gearing up to captivate audiences at the upcoming RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024.
Nicki Chapman: A Career in Television and Radio Spanning Decades
Nicki Chapman, a 57-year-old TV presenter and radio host, is a well-known figure in the UK. She is recognized for her roles in popular BBC programs like Escape To The Country and Wanted Down Under Revisited, and her early 2000s judging stints on Pop Idol and Popstars.
Chapman started her career at MCA Records as a Promotions Assistant at age 20. She later moved to RCA Records, where she became Head of TV Promotions and built a long-term association with Simon Cowell. In the mid-90s, she co-founded the Brilliant! PR Company, representing high-profile artists such as Take That and The Spice Girls.
She gained widespread fame as a judge on ITV’s Popstars and later Pop Idol, alongside Simon Cowell, Pete Waterman, and Dr. Fox. Chapman currently hosts Wanted Down Under Revisited and Escape To The Country on BBC One.
In addition to her TV work, Chapman is a regular presenter on Radio 2, covering shows for Vanessa Feltz and Zoe Ball.
In 2019, Chapman was diagnosed with a non-malignant brain tumor, the size of a small golf ball. After facing symptoms like vision and speech problems, she underwent life-saving surgery. Despite a small sliver of the tumor remaining, she received an unexpected all-clear in March 2022, revealing that the tumor had disappeared.
Chapman resides in West London with her husband, Dave “Shack” Shackleton, a record company executive. Their Victorian home features a garden that has become her sanctuary, even being showcased in House Beautiful Magazine.
Chapman is set to cover the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, running from May 21-25. She took to Instagram to express her excitement, describing the show as “the jewel in my presenting crown.”
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show will have extensive coverage on BBC One and BBC Two starting May 19.