Get to know… JOANNE PICKARD

QUEEN OF THE VOICEOVER, ACTOR, PRESENTER AND FACE OF OMAZE UK

Interview by REBECCA PITCAIRN

Q You’re a born and bred Yorkshire girl, what was it like growing up in the county?

A I grew up firstly in the market town of Kirkbymoorside, where my parents owned a sports shop called Charles Pickard Sports and I went to Kirkbymoorside Primary –I actually went back recently and held an assembly, which I loved. My parents then purchased a 17th century coaching inn, The Royal Oak, in the village of Gillamoor, which we all lived above – me, my parents and younger brother Jonny. I went to Ryedale Secondary School and then Lady Lumby’s in Pickering for Sixth Form.

As a family we used to go to Florios, a traditional Italian in Malton, for a monthly treat. It’s still there now and I enjoy going with my own family. I have fond memories of Scarborough too; my great aunts lived there and I adored staying with them and walking around Peasholm Park and along the seafront, devouring an ice cream.

When I was 20, we moved to Harome, into a house my dad built when my family sold the pub. I wasn’t there for long though as at 21 I left to ‘explore the globe’. True to my promise, I have visited every continent three times, but I’ve come back full circle, much to the astonishment of my parents. It was love that drew me back to Yorkshire eight years ago,

I now live in the village of Nunnington, the village next door to my parents, with my husband, Stephen Rooke, a potato farmer and lifelong Yorkshireman. I have twin step-daughters Katie and Chloe, 30, and two doggies, Hendricks and Babes, and I couldn’t be happier to be back.

Q How did you get into voiceover work, was it something you’d always wanted to do?

A I originally trained as an actor, but then went into presenting and have presented over 200 live major events, including commentating at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. When I was presenting at London 2012, I felt so proud as Yorkshire sportspeople brought home seven gold medals, two silver and three bronzes. I’ve done bits and pieces of voiceover work over the years and always enjoyed it and I wanted to go back to acting as I missed it terribly. When the pandemic hit it accelerated my voice acting as I was stuck at home with no presenting work so I could focus everything on it. I am lucky enough to have my own home studio – that was a real challenge to get everything sound proofed, and learn the technician ropes.

Q What voiceover projects will people recognise you from and which have been your favourite?

A I’ve voiced characters in Netflix originals, such as Athena and The Girl From Oslo, and I am the face and voice of Omaze UK, who I am so grateful to for all that we achieve. Changing people’s lives and raising so much for UK charities [over £3 million] has given my life so much meaning. I also recently voiced a documentary for Sir Jackie Stewart called Race Against Dementia, which will be out soon, which allowed me to flex my storytelling talents and hopefully play a small part in raising money to fund the breakthrough and innovate dementia research.

Q You were recently named in NYC Journal’s top inspiring women of 2022, which said that your ‘versatile voice has the power tomove and amuse in equal measure’. How did that feel?

A Honestly, I was blown away and humbled. In the same month, I also won a US/ joannepickard.co.uk

Canadian competition called The Ultimate VO Survivor. I was over the moon, but most of all proud of myself for taking on the challenge and giving it my all.

Q What do you like doing when you’re not working?

A I adore being outside in the countryside or taking in the sea air. Ryedale has some stunning scenery and our favourite coastal day out is Filey or Robin Hood’s Bay, where Stephen and I got married, so it holds beautiful memories. I’m never happier than on a long walk with the dogs and a nice pub lunch. We discovered The Cod and Lobster at Staithes recently, good wholesome pub food and fab atmosphere. I’m into Pilates, yoga and anything that helps mind, body and soul.

Q What are your favourite places in Yorkshire?

A We are so blessed, I mean where do I start? The Star Inn and The Pheasant in Harome, for a treat, obviously; The Grapes is our local and full of grand folk and great food. I love wandering around Helmsley and popping into Hunters to get some treats, and The Park in Hovingham is a delightful café to lose a couple of hours chatting with a friend or reading a book with a co ee and maybe a slice of cake.

Q What do you love most about living in Yorkshire?

A The people and their open, kind, can-do, no-nonsense attitude; the scenery, everywhere you look there is pure beauty; the food and all the gorgeous little villages.