Nick taking it easy for his 60th

Nov 1 2007 By Graham Young, Birmingham Mail

MIDLANDS Today host Nick Owen is celebrating his 60th birthday tonight by putting his feet up for the rest of the week.

After working through a house move last year, he's taking a couple of days off from today before enjoying a large family party over the weekend.

Nick's parents remain two of his biggest fans.

Father Bertie, aged 92, and mum Esme, aged 85, watch Midlands Today every night from their armchairs in Cheltenham.

"I sometimes ask my dad for the right word because we are very similar, both classicists," said Nick.

"Mum will often comment on my suit, tie or new haircut. I'm just so lucky to have them both and my dad is my hero."

Nick has four children of his own - Andy, aged 28, Tim, 26, Chris, 20, and Jenny aged 19, while wife Jill is still working as a nurse.

Having just signed a new, two-year freelance contract after celebrating his tenth anniversary on Midlands Today last month, Nick has no plans to retire.

"I am very lucky to sit next to Suzanne Virdee on the show and I love the work and the people I work with," he said.

"As much as I like being at home I like being at work and look forward to coming in every day."

The former TV-am star said he was in good health, despite over the years suffering a slipped disc, pancreatitis and a brush with cancer.

Central Tonight newsreader Bob Warman today sent his warmest congratulations to his TV rival through the Birmingham Mail, then questioned Nick's ability at maths.

"Nick was at the same school as me in Shrewsbury and we were both in the same dormitory and both in the same class," said Bob. "So how can he then claim he's a year younger than me? Maths was never his strongest subject!"