Ben Boulos has become a staple face for those tuning into BBC Breakfast, known for his warm presence and commandingly clear articulation.
He’s earned his place as a reputable character in the broadcasting realm, familiar to viewers as a journalist and news presenter focusing on business across UK and international terrains.
Boulos is noted for fronting key BBC shows such as Business Live, Talking Business, and World Business Report.
Not just content with domestic audiences, Ben also frequently steps in as a main relief presenter for BBC World News, the News Channel, and the World Service, presenting to an impressive weekly viewership that exceeds 75 million. Since April 2020, his presenting duties expanded to include “Around the World By BBC News” on the defunct streaming service Quibi.
But who exactly is Ben Boulos away from the camera’s gaze? We delve into the details of his life beyond the newsroom.
Career
In the early days of his television career, Ben started in 2007 with Channel M Television in Manchester.
After a stint there, he journeyed on to BBC Essex as a Political Reporter. This role saw him tackle local and national politics across several platforms, digging deep in investigative journalism, uncovering exclusive scoops and holding politicians to account.
From there, his progression continued at Radio 5 Live as a UK correspondent in Salford before venturing onwards to BBC Look East. At Look East, he adopted the multifaceted role of a Video Journalist Correspondent, even filming and editing his pieces.
In addition to his regular stints on the telly, Ben stepped into a different arena in April 2020 when he started presenting the Around the World By BBC News programme on Quibi. The show offered condensed updates on worldwide news, helping viewers keep up with global happenings from their homes during the pandemic.
Name change
Although widely recognised as Ben Boulos, not all are clued into the fact that he was originally christened Ben Bland.
Ben, who has a British father and a mother of Sudanese-Egyptian descent, adopted his maternal family’s name, Boulos, in February 2021. Speaking to the BBC, he revealed that this change reflected his diverse background and personal narrative.
He articulated: “I felt the name Bland didn’t do justice to who I am. By adopting the name Boulos, I am embracing the diverse cultural influences that have shaped me.”
Additionally, he mused: “Thinking about your name and your identity is the kind of thing you put off because life is too busy, it’s never a good time, everyone else is busy. When is the right time to strike up a conversation with your parents about your idea of changing your surname?”
Life beyond the studio
Away from the cameras and economic punditry, Ben is an avid cyclist.
Ben, an enthusiastic cyclist, has not only embraced the sport with passion but also represented Surrey in amateur cycling competitions, showcasing his dedication to the activity.
The TV host is also a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, often using his Instagram platform to express his solidarity. In June 2021, he attended Pride at the Palace in London’s West End, celebrating with prominent LGBTQ+ artists and activists.
During the vibrant event, Ben took to social media to share his support, posting: “Happy Pride Month everyone!” and adding, “What better way to celebrate than with #PrideAtThePalace – a colourful, fab, uplifting show featuring actual Heather Small!”.
You can catch BBC Breakfast every day from 6am on BBC One