Former Staffordshire resident celebrates 40 years of voice acting

From TV and radio commercials, corporate narration to video games, e-learning, audio dramas, train line announcements, on hold phone prompts - and even the voice of the BT Tower lift - Tanya’s distinctive voice is used across countless platforms, making her a household name in the world of voiceover. As one of the UK’s pioneering female voiceover artists, she has lent her voice to major brands, global campaigns, and some of the most recognised productions in broadcasting.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the last 40 years doing what I love,” said Tanya. “Voice acting is more than just speaking into a microphone - it’s about storytelling, connecting with audiences, and bringing scripts to life. The industry has evolved so much since I started, and I’m proud to have been a part of that journey.”

Tanya got her break into the industry in 1985, thanks to a suggestion from her mother: “I took myself off - on the advice of my mother who had done voiceover when commercial radio first started - to my local radio station, Signal in Stoke-on-Trent, and said, ‘Can I have an audition to be a voiceover please?’”

That bold step led to an unexpected opportunity. At Signal, Tanya reconnected with writer Les Scott, whom she knew from her time as the youngest female manager of a punk band, Discharge. Recognising her natural talent, the team at Signal Radio offered her on-the-job training, where she spent two years honing her skills as the ‘second voice’ for the station. 

Tanya’s early career was a whirlwind of travel, voicing multiple scripts in a single session at studios across the country. At a time when home studios and technology weren’t yet available for remote recording, this fast-paced environment sharpened her ability to take direction quickly, master different tones and styles, and seamlessly transition between roles - skills that remain at the core of her work today.

During her career, Tanya has amassed a client list of some of the biggest brands in the world including Coca Cola, Tiffanys, Fendi, Amazon, Disney, American Express, Audi and thousands more. But beyond her extensive voiceover portfolio, Tanya has also dedicated herself to training the next generation of voiceover artists through her highly regarded coaching company, RichCraft. Her mentorship has helped shape many aspiring talents into professional voice actors, ensuring that her impact on the industry extends far beyond her own performances. She also lectures in “Acting for Microphone” at the Birmingham Conservatoire and Bath Spa University.

In May 2025, Tanya will celebrate 40 years in the industry while continuing to be one of the most in-demand voice actors in the UK and internationally. 

“Looking back over the last 40 years, I feel incredibly grateful to have built a career doing something I love,” Tanya said. “Voiceover has taken me on an incredible journey - from radio stations and studios across the UK to working with international clients from my own home studio. The industry has changed dramatically, but what remains the same is the power of voice to tell stories, connect with audiences, and bring ideas to life. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I’m just as excited about what’s still to come!"