**Broadcasting Trailblazer Wincey Willis Dies Aged 76 After Living with Dementia**
Wincey Willis, a distinguished and much-loved figure in British broadcasting, has passed away at the age of 76 following a period living with dementia. While Ms Willis died in December of last year, the news has only recently been shared with the public, offering friends, fans and colleagues an opportunity to reflect on her extraordinary life and groundbreaking career.
Born Florence Winsome Leighton in 1948 in Gateshead, Willis would go on to become one of the most recognisable faces in UK weather presenting. She was raised by her adoptive parents, Florence and Thomas Dimmock, and earned the now-famous nickname “Wincey” from her peers at a Hartlepool primary school, who playfully referenced the nursery rhyme “Incy Wincy Spider”. Her tv persona later became synonymous with both warmth and professionalism – traits highly valued in television’s formative years.
Leaving school in England at just 16, Willis displayed a precocious independence, moving to France to study for her baccalauréat at a time when such international experiences were unusual for British teenagers. Following her successful completion of studies abroad, she undertook further education at Strasbourg University before returning to her native North East in 1975. Back home, she initially kept a relatively low profile, assuming a production job at Radio Tees in Stockton-on-Tees, which laid the foundation for what would soon be a visible and influential career on-screen.
Wincey’s breakthrough in the world of television came when she was invited for an audition as a weather presenter for Tyne Tees regional TV. Her natural charm and clear communication skills made her a natural fit, and she was soon captivating audiences across the region. Demonstrating her versatility, Willis was later given her own series on Granada Television aptly titled “Wincey’s Pets”, which explored topics related to animal care long before such programmes became commonplace.
Her career reached new heights in May 1983 when she was tapped by ITV’s fledgling breakfast show, Good Morning Britain, as the first female national weather presenter. She joined a lively line-up including Anne Diamond, Rustie Lee and fitness guru “Mad Lizzie” Webb, along with the mischievous puppet Roland Rat. Her cheerful demeanour and clear explanations endeared her to millions as the country awoke each day.
During the mid-1980s, Willis was also seen on the popular game show “Treasure Hunt”, working alongside Anneka Rice, another iconic figure of British television. This period marked a high point in Willis’s national recognition. However, due to a contract dispute, she departed from her role at TV-am in 1987, prompting her to explore other professional and personal avenues.
Devoting considerable energy in later years to wildlife conservation, Willis volunteered on projects supporting endangered species around the world – a cause about which she cared deeply. Her broadcasting talent also found continued expression on regional radio, hosting shows at both BBC Coventry & Warwickshire and BBC Hereford & Worcester, where her friendly style remained popular with listeners.
Wincey was married to Malcolm Willis from 1972 until their divorce but largely kept her personal life out of the spotlight. In her final years, she lived with dementia, a condition that affects many but is still often discussed in hushed tones. Her family’s decision to keep her death private until now speaks to their commitment to manage her final chapter with dignity.
As tributes are paid to Willis’s legacy, she is remembered as a pioneering figure for women in broadcasting, a consummate professional, and a kind presence both on and off screen. Her impact on British television endures, while her adventurous spirit and dedication to the natural world continue to serve as an inspiration to many.