Jane Hill, main presenter for the BBC’s rolling news channel, has revealed that she is gay for the first time in the corporation’s magazine, Ariel.

Hill spoke openly this month about cohabiting in North London with her partner, Sara, and their dog, Mavis.

A colleague said: “Everyone has known for years that Jane is gay. She hasn’t made a secret of it at the BBC and although she has had other girlfriends over the years, this one seems to be the one.”

Having joined in 1991, Hill has worked as a newsreader on the BBC’s 24-hour channel for 12 years.

Graduating from Queen Mary, University of London with a degree in politics, Hill first worked at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington, DC.

On returning to England, she completed the corporation’s regional news trainee scheme worked for BBC Radio Five Live and BBC Radio Berkshire before joining the BBC News channel for its launch in 1997.

A longstanding presenter, Hill has covered notable global events, including the attacks of September 11, 2001, the inauguration of Barack Obama, and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, which she cited as the hardest case of her career.

Currently a daytime presenter on the channel, Hill broadcasts to weekday audiences alongside Matthew Amroliwala. She lists her interests outside work as food and wine, swimming and ABBA. Her partner is a TV camerawoman, they have been together for one year.