ITV’s first feminine climate presenter Wincey Willis has died aged 76.
The trailblazing forecaster handed away in December 2024 following a battle with dementia however her demise was solely made public on Wednesday (18.06.25).
Wincey – who was identified for her blonde hair, bubbly character and vibrant knitwear – grew to become the channel’s first feminine climate forecaster on nationwide TV when she was employed to hitch Good Morning Britain in 1983 and was credited for bringing a brighter strategy to climate reporting throughout a interval when the small display screen typically had a gloomier type.
She advised the Liverpool Echo of her strategy to the job: “Most individuals do not wish to find out about excessive stress over the Azores. All they care about is whether or not they want their umbrella.”
Wincey – born Florence Winsome Leighton in 1948 – was seen as blazing a path for different feminine forecasters resembling Ulrika Jonsson, who began out on breakfast TV earlier than shifting into different programming.
In addition to breakfast TV, Willis starred on the present Treasure Hunt with Anneka Rice and in addition devised a board recreation titled The Climate Recreation.
She left the small display screen in 1987 and focused on wildlife conservation – additionally starring in pantomime and penning the books It is Raining Cats and Canines and Greendays.
At one level, Wincey lived in a tent in Greece for six months as she guarded a turtle inhabitants whereas her TV appearances grew to become more and more uncommon.
Physician Who showrunner Russell T Davies took to social media to pay tribute to Willis as he recalled how she sought him out after she was talked about in his sequence Queer as Folks.
He wrote on Instagram: “That is a tragic loss! I discussed Wincey within the dialogue of Queer as Folks 2, and he or she hunted me down!
“She bought maintain of my electronic mail deal with simply to inform me how delighted she was to be talked about! She was completely hilarious and stuffed with pleasure, what a stunning lady.
“We corresponded for years, having an exquisite giggle, she was a hoot. And what an incredible profession! Adored her. Nicely achieved, Wincey, evening darling.”