Martyn Parker
Martyn is best known for being the voice of 'In First', his down-to-earth style of presentation - and the occasional breakage!
Martyn has experienced shopping television from two standpoints, both in IT and as a popular Presenter.
Educated at Shakespeare's school (King Edward VI Grammar School For Boys, Stratford-Upon-Avon), he left at 16 with what Martyn calls "the obligatory O Levels".
After various jobs in photography and sales, Martyn joined the RAF at age 24. As a Communications Systems Analyst, specialising in Russian and Morse code, Martyn travelled the world, including Cyprus, Berlin and the Falkland Islands, as well as GCHQ, Cheltenham.
In 1995, Martyn moved into television shopping, joining QVC to design, develop and manage their automated ordering service. He joined Ideal World in March 2000 for a similar role with the In First ordering system, continuing on to become head of Information Technology.
Martyn loves the TV shopping business and, in February 2002, "stepped across" to become a presenter with Ideal World.
He lives in Peterborough with his wife, Sarah-Jane, and two pedigree British Blue cats, Cherry and Blossom. Martyn also enjoys golf and travel.
Back to top
Q & A:
- What did you do before IW?
- Royal Air Force (1987 – 1995) – Communications Systems Analyst
- Most embarrassing on-screen moment?
- None – I enjoy dropping things!
- Tell us a secret
- I have two tattoos
- What’s your idea of the perfect Sunday (when you’re not working)?
- A day’s carp fishing with no TV, computers or mobile phones
- Which living person do you most admire and why?
- Tiger Woods – the world’s greatest golfer
- What is the trait you most deplore in yourself / others?
- Gossiping
- Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you've bought?
- Honda S2000 Sports Car
- What is your guiltiest pleasure?
- Giant Chocolate Buttons
- What keeps you awake at night?
- I worry about my cats
- How would you like to be remembered?
- 'He was just so........ nice'
- What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
- You only get one chance.... don't waste it
- Favourite IW/CC product?
- Teeter Inversion Table and the Tefal Actifry
- Which phrase do you overuse?
- Ooops!
- If you could travel back in time, which period would you visit?
- None......... the future is the place to be baby!
Back to top