A FORMER University of Bradford student says her success in TV broadcasting and producing is thanks to her three years in the city and is glad she chose to head north for her degree.

Gayani Wanigaratne, 37, from Purley, in Surrey, said she initially chose Bournemouth University to take her course in TV production and was accepted but at the 11th hour changed her mind and opted instead to spend three years in Bradford from 2000 to 2003.

"I was drawn to the media technology and production course at the University of Bradford, partly because I had always wanted to live in the north but also because it seemed to offer more in what I was interested in. I loved every minute there.

"I got on great with my fellow students and enjoyed life in the city which I found was so friendly. I remember it was a lot cheaper to go out there than in Purley.

"The course was perfect for me and the facilities were brilliant with TV studios to work in. It gave me the chance to have a go at something different."

After graduation her studies paved the way for a fascinating career which has seen Gayani jetting all over the world to work, as well as pick up a handful of National Television Awards.

Her CV includes a long stint on ITV's This Morning show where she worked with Philip Schofield for eight years.

The programme saw her travelling to Benidorm for This Morning Summer to the hotel where comedy series Benidorm was filmed and she was involved in broadcasting live.

She also filmed live for This Morning in Marbella which she said was 'hard work, but a lot of fun', adding she felt lucky to be able to work in the sunshine.

Her production team has been on the receiving end of silverware and has worn four National Television Awards during her time on This Morning.

As well as work close to home, she has been involved in TV broadcasting at the other side of the world.

In Australia she was one of the producers bringing I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! to our screens.

"It was terrific. I was just one of many producers on set where there was such a lot going on. I loved it."

She even found Lady Colin Campbell's jungle jacket by the camp fire which she had left behind when she was a contestant in 2015. Gayani managed to get a photograph of herself wearing the jacket. She also had photographs of her standing on the famous rope bridge.

Gayani's next job will take her to Mexico for a couple of months where she will be working on the TV show Paradise Hotel.

"I don't know really what to expect there but I do know I am doing my dream job. Every show is different."

Gayani said she has not had the chance to revisit Bradford since she left but does hope to at some point and will include a visit to the university and the National Science and Media Museum.

"I have very fond memories of Bradford and in particular the university course which has put me on the road to my career. I am so glad I changed my mind to come north."