New Voices Bradford: City's stars back BBC search for talent

Anita Rani, from Bradford, presents Woman's Hour and Countryfile

Television presenter Anita Rani and cricketer Jonny Bairstow are among the famous Bradfordians helping the BBC find a new voice for Bradford 2025.

Singer Kimberley Walsh, actor Nohail Mohammed and magician Dynamo are also urging people to enter the search for talent organised by BBC Radio Leeds.

They are encouraging people to record a demo describing why they love the city.

Anita Rani said it was a "chance to shine a light on the city and tell the stories which matter to us".

The New Voices Bradford winner, or winners, will get the opportunity to join the BBC team to help report upon the year of culture across TV, radio, digital and online.

Ms Rani said: "Bradford is a vibrant city full of energy, personality and talent. Now is the time for that talent to find its voice and forge new paths in what is going to be such a transformative year.

"This talent search is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves the city to join the BBC and celebrate everything it has to offer.

"These opportunities don't come around too often, so now's your chance to make a difference and represent the place I call home."

Applicants will need to upload a 45-second clip talking about what the city means to them.

The year is set to deliver more than 1,000 new performances and events, including 365 artist commissions, a series of major arts festivals and exciting national and international collaborations.

Actor Nohail Mohammed joined the push for people to put their names forward

The BBC said anyone wanting tips on how to make a good demo could visit the Radio Leeds team at the Broadway Shopping Centre for four days from 25 March, as they will be there ready to speak to budding applicants.

No prior experience is needed, and applications from local bloggers, influencers, poets, podcasters and anyone who feels they have something to say about Bradford are encouraged.

Rima Ahmed, who won a New Voices talent search in 2019, now presents the station's flagship breakfast show.

She said: "I'm so excited to be on the panel for New Voices Bradford - what an honour.

Rima Ahmed won a New Voices talent search in 2019

"I know Bradford is a city brimming with talent just waiting to be unleashed and I can't wait to witness the magic. Bring it on, Bradford!"

Katrina Bunker, Senior Head of Content Production for Yorkshire, added: "We can't wait to cover the events of Bradford 2025 across TV, radio and online. It's going to be such an exciting year for the region.

"Bradford is a city that has heaps of creative talent and this is a great opportunity for authentic local voices to showcase their talents and get a foot in the door at the BBC."

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, said BBC New Voices was just one of the many things the culture year would bring to the city.

"This really is a brilliant opportunity for those interested in and with a passion for presenting," she said.

"Bradford is full of talent, and we want to see people from all corners of our district submit applications.

"We're looking for people who are full of energy and personality - which is what being from Bradford is all about."

The search launches on 11 March and will be open for four weeks before the shortlisted finalists are invited to a finale event on 28 April.

Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, is another Bradford star joining the campaign

Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh (second from left) is originally from the West Yorkshire city