Jackie Fullerton

Fullerton's presenting career began in 1973 as a reporter and presenter for Ulster Television.[1] He was invited to work for the station by station controller Sidney Perry after participating in a penalty competition for the Sportscast programme[4] and became the main sports anchor on UTV's evening magazine programme, Good Evening Ulster.[5]

In his autobiography, Fullerton revealed he almost accepted a sports reporter position at Granada Television in 1978, but decided to remain in Northern Ireland for the sake of his family.[6] He also disclosed the controversy caused by rumours of an affair with Good Evening Ulster presenting colleague Gloria Hunniford, which were untrue.[5] It was during his time on Good Evening Ulster when, in 1980, Fullerton interviewed wrestler Giant Haystacks in the studio, who proceeded to slam him on the studio floor – a clip which has been repeated on various blooper TV shows since.[4]

Fullerton moved from Ulster Television to BBC Northern Ireland in 1992.[1]

In 2004, the BBC announced that Fullerton would no longer introduce the sport during BBC Newsline, but his reporting and commentating duties would still continue.[7] The same year saw Fullerton undergo triple heart by-pass surgery following a period of ill health.[8] He returned to commentary duties in January 2005.[9]

In 2007, Sky Sports obtained live broadcast rights to Northern Ireland's international matches for £10million.[10] Rumours circulated at the time that Fullerton had been approached by the network to commentate on their coverage of Northern Ireland games. These rumours were unfounded when Fullerton disclosed while he had talks with Sky,[11] he had signed a 'rolling contract' to remain with BBC Northern Ireland.[12]