Born and raised in Edinburgh, after graduating from college Gail moved into TV production, working as a runner (which often included being an unpaid babysitter to the boss’s children) and all manner of low/no paid jobs as she learnt the craft of television. On the encouragement of a friend, Gail auditioned for a children’s television show in Scotland, and much to her surprise and consternation got the job. She swiftly made a name for herself in children’s television, presenting long-running shows Fully Booked, How 2 and Live & Kicking among others.
A popular model alongside her television career, in 1999 a nude photo of Gail was projected onto the Houses of Parliament as a guerilla publicity stunt by a “lads mag” to promote their 100 sexiest women poll. The first Gail knew about it was when it was reported and became the topic of discussion on Newsnight, intensifying media interest in her private life.
In 2004 Gail began presenting the paranormal TV series Dead Famous. It was during filming for the show that she began to suffer from alopecia totalis, causing her hair to fall out. The stress of this and the break-up of her marriage brought underlying mental health issues to the surface, ultimately leading her to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
Since then Gail has been a vocal mental health advocate and championed many causes. In 2019 BBC Scotland made the documentary with her, Being Gail Porter, which went on to win a BAFTA. A regular attendee since she was a child, Hung Drawn & Portered was her debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.
For further information about Gail Porter please contact her agent, andrew@cloud9management.co.uk
