Kathy Secker

Kathy Secker (born Catherine Barnfather; 18 February 1945 – 15 December 2015) was a British television and radio broadcaster, best known for her work at Tyne Tees Television and BBC Radio Newcastle. During her early broadcasting career at Tyne Tees (1976–1984) she was usually credited as Cathy Secker.

Career After she had worked as a secretary to an ENT specialist and as a bank clerk, her husband persuaded her to consider a career as a model, which proved to be successful. Secker became the face of an advertising campaign for the Northern Gas Board. In later years, she also fronted TV adverts for Co-op stores in the North East.

The popularity of the gas board campaign led to Secker being offered a role as a continuity announcer and newsreader for Tyne Tees Television in 1976. Following the 13-week 1979 ITV technicians' strike, Secker was the first presenter back on air on 24 October.

Personal life Secker was raised in Bedlington, Northumberland. She was married to childhood sweetheart Wally Secker from the late 1960s until the early 1990s, when they divorced. She later married Tyne Tees colleague James Whiteley in Kenya in 1997. and a son, David (born 1975).

Death On 16 December 2015, it was announced she had died at home in Jesmond the previous day, aged 70. Secker was due to present her BBC Radio Newcastle show the following Sunday. A tribute programme was broadcast on this day, presented by Michael Poulter with messages and memories of Secker from colleagues and listeners.

A funeral service for her was held at the West Road Crematorium, Newcastle, on 30 December 2015.