Nigel Rees

Nigel Rees (born 5 June 1944 near Liverpool) is an English writer and broadcaster, best known for devising and hosting the long-running Radio 4 panel game Quote... Unquote (since 1976) and as the author of more than fifty books – mostly works of reference on language, and humour in language.

Personal life

Rees went to the Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby, and then took a degree in English at New College, Oxford, where he was a Trevelyan Scholar and took a leading role in the Oxford University Broadcasting Society.

Rees is a recent past President of the Lichfield Johnson Society and was described in The Spectator as "Britain's most popular lexicographer – the lineal successor to Eric Partridge and, like him, he makes etymology fun."

Television and radio

After leaving university Rees went straight into television with Granada in Manchester and made his first TV appearances on local programmes in 1967 before moving to London as a freelance. He worked for ITN’s News at Ten as a reporter before becoming involved in a wide range of programmes for BBC Radio as reporter and producer.

Nigel Rees (footballer)

Nigel Richard Rees (born 11 July 1953 in Bridgend) is a Welsh former professional footballer.

Career

A Welsh cap for Wales under 15 rugby and a youth soccer international, Rees began his career as a youth player at Cardiff City, where he was part of the team that reached the 1971 FA Youth Cup final before losing to Arsenal. He was handed his professional debut at the age of 17 in a 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1970 and played in the clubs win over Real Madrid, supplying the cross for Brian Clark's winning goal. The following season Rees was unable to maintain his form as the club struggled in Division Two and he was eventually released.

After leaving Cardiff, Rees joined Bridgend Town where he spent several years but, despite returning to Ninian Park for a trial under manager Jimmy Andrews, he never returned to The Football League.

References