Sameena Ali-Khan

Sameena Ali-Khan (born 30 December 1967) is a British media personality who is known as a television presenter, journalist and newsreader. She is also a published author.

Since commencing her media career in 1997 for the BBC, Ali-Khan has worked in various areas of broadcasting. Upon moving from the BBC to the ITV network in 2005, she has become a popular recognised face at ITV Central, as one of the main presenters for the ITV News Central programmes.

Ali-Khan has won numerous awards during her broadcasting career, including three RTS Midlands Best Screen Personality Awards in 2010, 2014 and 2015, for her work on ITV News Central.

Life and career

Early life and education Ali-Khan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but initially raised in Delhi, India to Indian parents, where her father was a professor at one of the country's universities. The family moved regularly around the world, Ali-Khan living in many places such as Hong Kong. She travelled extensively due to the occupations of her father, and this gave her a desire to learn and an interest in journalism.

2000–2005: Drive on the BBC Asian Network and BBC Radio 5 Live

Ali-Khan relocated to Birmingham in 2000 and began hosting Drive on the BBC Asian Network and BBC Radio 5 Live stations.

Ali-Khan confesses that it was more by default than design that she ended up on a news programme like the Asian Network's Drive, I'm a failed medic! she said. I did a science degree, but didn't really like it, just mixing chemicals in a lab. As a break, I ended up going to a radio station on Wednesdays, which was my half-day off, and I just got a feel for radio then. I was answering phones but within about six months they allowed me to go on air and it all started from there. and the BBC's coverage of the historic wedding of the second heir to the throne, Prince William, and Catherine Middleton.

2016: Healthy Kitchen Cooking

In 2016 Al-Khan presented the Healthy Kitchen Cooking show. A short series of programmes, featuring recipes for easy to make healthy dishes, with Chef Rachel Muse. The show was broadcast on channel #Sky 845.

Author

In 2014 Ali-Khan published her first novel, as the co-author of a romance based book, written with her husband, and published by Mills & Boon. They use the pseudonym Riya Lakhani as the author's name.

2014: A Date with a Bollywood Star

A Date with a Bollywood Star written by Riya Lakhani (2014)

Awards/Conferences/Events Host

Outside of her television work, Ali-Khan utilises her presentation skills as a host for award ceremonies and on the conference circuit, at a variety of events.

Ali-Khan has hosted dozens of ceremonies since the late nineties, ranging from award presentations to chairing panel discussions.

She has conducted events for numerous organisations including Facebook, Dechert LLP, Department for Communities and Local Government and Birmingham Education Partnership.

The wide-ranging topics she has covered have included Wealth Management, Education, Business, Terrorism, Diversity, Mental Health, Brexit and the Arts.

Personal life

Ali-Khan is married with two children and lives in Fox Hollies, Birmingham.

Ali-Khan describes herself on her Twitter profile as having a Big smile & big heart!. She counts her interests outside of work as her family, cooking, fashion design, keeping fit, particularly cycling and swimming. Also due to her education and studies she still retains an interest in anything scientific.

In January 2013, Ali-Khan was featured on the cover of Pukaar Magazine, which featured an interview with her, giving an insight into her work and lifestyle, and with photos from her first studio based fashion photo-shoot.

Official Website

In 2018, Ali-khan created her own personal website at www.sameena.co.uk Ali-Khan posts regular updates about any upcoming activities, details about her lifestyle and features a photo library, including video showreels.

Charity work

Ali-Khan is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Research and The Prince's Trust.

She regularly speaks at schools and colleges.

KAPPA Awards Contribution to Media

RTS Midlands Best On Screen Personality

RTS Midlands Best On Screen Personality

Excellence in Media (Birmingham Awards)

RTS Midlands Best On Screen Personality

RTS Midlands Best On Screen Personality

RTS Midlands Best On Screen Personality