Bafta hopes for Gogglebox boss
Nomination for former All Hallows student
AFORMER Macclesfield student turned successful executive TV producer has seen his show nominated for a BAFTA.
Leon Campbell, 46, an ex-pupil at All Hallows College, on Brooklands Avenue, works on popular Channel 4 programme Gogglebox.
It films members of the public watching other TV shows from their sofa and reacting to and commenting on them.
Leon, who found out on his birthday Gogglebox had been nominated, attended All Hallows from 1985 to 1992 and his two brothers Duncan and Simon were students there.
His mum Nicky and late father Gerard also taught at the school.
Nicky said: “Leon learned that he has been nominated for a BAFTA on the day that just happened to be his 46th birthday.
“It was a very special day for him. His only complaint is that there won’t be a ceremony this year. My comment was that it’ll mean he won’t need to buy a posh outfit.”
As a youngster Leon had wanted to work in TV but was encouraged to also pursue a more secure career and studied politics at university.
After graduating he moved to London, working as a runner and gaining experience with the BBC.
He has previously worked on shows including Big Brother, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and The X Factor as well as on the opening and closing ceremonies for the London Olympics and Paralympics.
Last year he won a Television Award with Gogglebox and he has set up a business with his partner called The Presenter Studio, which trains TV presenters.
Despite all this success Leon has not forgotten his roots and has returned to All Hallows to talk to sixth formers about a career in TV and encourage them to follow their passion.
Nicky says the school has been a big part of all the family’s life.
She said: “Gerard and I were both involved with Duke of Edinburgh’s award and all three lads got bronze awards.
”We were also all involved with many music exchanges, performing with schools in Germany and France. Leon even played Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar to great acclaim.”