June Sarpong's Biography

She is the sister of Sam Sarpong of 'Future Stars'. Her parents, both Ghanaian, separated when June Sarpong was seven. Her brother lived with her father in the United States, whilst June was raised by her mother, a nurse, in Leytonstone.

When she was 14, June Sarpong was in hospital for over a year after a car accident.

After gaining an 'A' Level in performing Arts, June Sarpong started her career at KISS FM, where she moved up the ranks and Sarpong covered for Janice V on "The Word".

After a stint at Arista, June Sarpong started presenting for MTV on the likes of 'Dance Floor Chart', 'Weekend Edition', and 'Select' with Richard Blackwood.

She then presented MTV's 'Planet Pop', which was also shown on Channel 4's youth segment T4.

Sarpong then became a regular T4 presenter, as well as hosting miscellaneous other shows. In December 2004 June Sarpong spent 24 hours over two days with Tony Blair for a documentary screened on T4 on 30 January 2005.

June Sarpong used to go out with Labour MP, David Lammy. They broke up and he got engaged to artist Nicola Green.

Sarpong said:

"We were together for 18 months to two years. It was perfect for that time, but obviously not perfect for a lifetime. We both came to the same decision at the same time and that’s why we’ve been able to remain friends."

She is a Prince's Trust Ambassador. In April 2005, June Sarpong went to Ghana as part of the Make Poverty History campaign, during which she told the Evening Standard:

"I don't think I'll ever be the same again. Every evening I have been in tears. It makes me appreciate my life in London so much. People who think they have got it hard should come and see this."

In April 2006, June Sarpong presented the BBC3 series Strictly Dance Fever On Three, which showed behind-the-scenes action of the main series presented by Graham Norton.

June Sarpong was awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours announced on December 30, 2006.

In 2007 June Sarpong presented Wags Boutique on ITV2.

She has been a regular on the panel of The Pledge on ky News.

Her books include Diversify and The Power of Women.

In October 2019, she was appointed Director of Creative Diversity at the BBC.

In the New Year's Honours List announced in December 2019, June Sarpong was made an OBE.