Leah Charles-King
BroadcasterUnited Kingdom
Leah Charles-King is a British television and radio presenter who presents Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun. Her career has also included performing as a member of the R&B group Kleshay and presenting for broadcasters including CITV, BBC, Disney Channel, Channel 5, BET and Sky. [2]
Career and work
Charles-King began her entertainment career in the 1990s as a member of the R&B group Kleshay, which was signed to Sony Music and had two UK chart singles. The group also toured as a supporting act for Lionel Richie, and Charles-King later provided backing vocals for artists including George Michael and Mary J. Blige. [2]
In 2001, she became the first Black female continuity presenter on CITV. She went on to work across television and radio for broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Disney Channel, Channel 5, BET and Sky, and spent four years hosting and producing a drive-time programme on The Beat London. In 2021, she joined Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun as a presenter. [3][2]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Leah Charles-KingThriving with Bipolar Charles-King’s official book website explicitly identifies her diagnosis as bipolar type 1 and describes the strategies and habits she has developed from more than a decade of lived experience.
A Place in the Sun“Leah Charles-King” Professional biography covering her music and broadcasting career, her first public disclosure in 2019 and subsequent mental-health advocacy.
A Place in the Sun“All new episodes of A Place in the Sun, and a new presenter!” Announces Charles-King’s appointment, discusses her bipolar diagnosis and concerns about stigma, and contains her statement about life after diagnosis.
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JAAQ“Leah Charles-King” First-person video transcripts in which Charles-King discusses her manic episode, depressive lows, diagnosis and current approach to maintaining balance.
A Place in the Sun“Meet Leah Charles-King – New Presenter on A Place in the Sun” Interview covering her mood experiences, work-related triggers and the importance of sleep to her wellbeing.
Bipolar UK“Meet the team” Confirms Charles-King’s ambassador role and describes her work raising awareness, supporting suicide prevention and challenging stigma, particularly within Black communities.
Bipolar UK“Trustees’ Annual Report 2025” Documents Charles-King hosting Bipolar UK’s annual online conference for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.
Learn more
Recommended books and other resources about Leah Charles-King and their experiences.
- Bipolar UnfilteredThe Bipolar Diaries
A podcast mini-series in which Charles-King and Anastasia McLean compare their experiences of bipolar disorder and discuss day-to-day life with the condition.
- “Working through a low episode and coping with grief”Bipolar UK, Let’s Talk Bipolar
A podcast episode featuring Charles-King discussing low mood, grief and living with bipolar disorder.