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Meet the team...

Presenters: Ahmed | Nikki | Rebecca

More about VEE-TV

Nikki Stratton

How did you land the job?

Got asked to come along to the audition and voilà – nabbed the job.

Tell us a little about your education.

When I was 11 years old I went to a mainstream school and was the only deaf girl there. After three years, my grades were starting to fall, and my parents and I decided that there was no way I could continue in the mainstream for the next two years. So both myself and my wee sister went to Mary Hare school. And I am so glad I went – for once in my life I really felt part of the norm, as everyone was deaf and everyone was treated the same.

Had you always wanted to work in the media?

Not really, not until I left uni a couple of years ago, when I was offered work for a commercial company doing in-vision signing.

What other media jobs/activities have you been involved in?

I've done a lot of in-vision signing for the Cartoon Network. In case you're wondering what this actually involves, I study programmes and revise scripts that I have been asked to translate for a deaf, signing audience. When my preparation is complete, I then sign the contents of the programme. You would see me normally in the right-hand bottom corner of the TV screen. Other than working for the cartoon Powerpuff Girls, I have done some signed songs, including performing a signed version of 'Nothing compares 2 U' (Sinéad O'Connor) in an advert for NME on Bravo channel. Barely recognise myself!

What advice would you give to young deaf people interested in working in the media?

Have the right attitude and create a network of contacts to keep yourself up-to-date.

Who's your hero or biggest influence?

Clive Mason, who is my fave deaf presenter and mentored me at the beginning of my filming days.

Who's your biggest fan?

My mum!

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