Lucy Mary Hockings is a New Zealand news presenter for the BBC. She is one of the chief presenters broadcasting worldwide and across the UK. She is also a moderator, events host and media trainer. Her roles include anchoring Live with Lucy Hockings on BBC World News.

Early life, education and early career

Hockings was born on 7 March 1974 in Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Auckland. Prior to joining the BBC, Hockings worked as a reporter for TVNZ. Hockings' elder brother Liam, who was also a journalist, died in the 2023 Loafers Lodge fire.

BBC

First months

Hockings joined the BBC as a producer in 1999, before being promoted to senior producer in 2000.

Reporter

As a reporter, Hockings has covered the September 11 attacks, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, the 2004 tsunami, the death of Pope John Paul II, the 2005 London bombings and the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Accent

During her earlier presenting days, Hockings claimed her employers made attempts to "iron out" her accent, and that she was sent to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for "unsuccessful" elocution lessons. In February 2023, it was announced Hockings would become a chief presenter on the BBC’s new news channel for both UK and international viewers due to launch in April.

Films

Hockings appeared as a news anchor in the 2018 film Black Panther.