He has since revealed that, prior to the interview, he had already come to believe he had lost his seat:[39].mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, I saw that the exit poll was predicting a 160 seat majority for Labour. They climbed through the undergrowth on the mountain leading up to the secret ancient city of Machu Picchu. He stepped down from that position in March 2006, owing to potential conflicts of interest. Perhaps it's hardly surprising that the couple dodge the bitterly cold Scottish weather sometimes. 185.32.188.96 There is a Wiki page dedicated to her, but there isn't yet an official Wikipedia page for her. Professionally, she is a successful businesswoman who runs a recruitment consultancy in London. Latest: Is Michael Portillo still married to Carolyn Eadie? The programme was originally broadcast on 7 November 2008. Even after the couple parted and Clark openly dated gay men, he wrote in his diaries about the strong affection he still held for his ex-wife and the mother of his two sons. Recipients included Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Mary Rose Trust, Lincoln Cathedral and the Severn Valley Railway. Who is Andy Reids Wife Tammy Reid and How Old is She? Regardless, their love for each other has flourished through the years and they have a happy home. The series commenced broadcasting in January 2010. We commit to cover sensible issues responsibly through the principles of neutrality. Yes. All of the attention has led Michael to become quite fashion forward and, after decades of politician power-dressing in muted tones of black or navy, he is now relishing the chance to try his hand at showbiz style. [39] Halfway through the campaign, Portillo invited aides Andrew Cooper and Michael Simmonds to his house and presented them with some ideas for a leadership campaign following the expected Conservative defeat and asked them to finish it off. English Test yourself with this Cockney Rhyming Slang quiz. Spanish Its a shame Carolyn cant come on Michaels cross-country adventures, though! Portillo was born to Luis Gabriel Portillo, an exiled Spanish Republican and Scottish mother, Cora Waldegrave. The Cambridge-educated former defence secretary has been married to his wife Carolyn since 1982, although in 1999 he spoke of how he had homosexual experiences as a young man. It is also known that Carolyn went under surgery for cancer after 2 years of getting . He presents the British series Great Continental Railway Journeys. I saw this and I thought if there's one thing I do when I lose, I'm going to lose with as much dignity as I can muster and not be like this David MellorGoldsmith thing. Portillo travels around the railway networks of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. Since 1998, Portillo has been a Commissioner of the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). By Tania Steere for the Daily Mail and Sam Marsden for MailOnline, Published: 19:20 GMT, 4 May 2014 | Updated: 14:46 GMT, 5 May 2014. Over his journeys, Michael makes stops to learn how places, events and people, and the railroads of the 19th century influenced the countrys growth into a major superpower. Michael Portillo father's name is under review and mother unknown at this time. Meet Zendayas Half-Sister. Who Is Gregory McMichael's Wife Leigh McMichael? Its first series was initially broadcast on BBC Two in 2012, and the seventh series became first aired in 2020. Michael Portillo and wife at the premiere of Moulin Rouge in London, England, 9/3/01. Apart from that, he has benefited from several sponsorships. Michael Portillo, Self: Great American Railroad Journeys. Michael Portillo. Who Is Travis McMichael's Wife Nicole Joyner? Michael Portillo is a British journalist, broadcaster, former Conservative Party MP and former Cabinet Secretary. The article further added that in 1999, Portillo admitted that he had homosexual experiences as a young man and that his wife has been supporting him ever since. [99], Portillo is the British chairman of the Anglo-Spanish organisation Tertulias, which organises annual meetings between the two countries. In the first ballot of Conservative MPs, he led well. It is said that theirs was a small wedding in London witnessed by close friends and relatives. In terms of her education, there are no publicly available records regarding the schools Carolyn Eadie attended. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d5bff7c5903be The couple said their vows in a sweet ceremony in 1982. ", "BBC TWO reveals the ten greatest Britons of all time", "BBC Two Winter/Spring 2007 Press release", "Michael Portillo: Death of a School Friend", "BBC Two - Great British Railway Journeys", "Great Continental Railway Journeys, BBC Two, review", "BBC Two Railways of the Great War with Michael Portillo", "Michael Portillo takes to the American Railroads", "BBC Two - Great Alaskan Railroad Journeys", "BBC Two - Great Continental Railway Journeys, Series 7, Salamanca to Canfranc", "How the British 'lost' the Easter Rising: In, "Hawks and doves: how the British authorities viewed the War of Independence", "Spanish Civil War with Michael Portillo", "Coastal Devon & Cornwall with Michael Portillo", "GB News hires Michael Portillo in on-screen shake-up as early investor quits channel", "Michael Portillo to chair 2008 Man Booker judges", "Michael Portillo to head up 55m arts fund scheme", "The Right Honourable Michael Portillo to open the 2017 Exhibition", "Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line | FoSCL", "Michael Portillo new president of Friends of the SettleCarlisle Line", "Honorary Degree Recipients Richmond University", "Michael Portillo to lead City of London Sheep Drive", contributions in Parliament by Michael Portillo, The Guardian - Ask Aristotle about Michael Portillo, Defence Secretaries of the United Kingdom, Shadow Chancellors of the Exchequer of the United Kingdom, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Portillo&oldid=1142871820, Conservative Party (UK) MPs for English constituencies, British Secretaries of State for Employment, Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, Fellows of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Michael Portillo was sworn in as a member of the, In 2018 Portillo was made a fellow of the, This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 20:22. Michael Portillo was born on 26 May 1953 in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England, UK. Bar Refaeli Model, Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Husband, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Net Worth, Anna Richardson Channel 4, Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Partner, Salary, and Net Worth, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, List of States in the US, Alphabetical list of States in the U.S., and Abbreviation of States in United States. Michael Portillo is married to his wife, and her name is Carolyn Eadie. Portillo's passion for steam trains led him to make the BBC documentary series Great British Railway Journeys, beginning in 2008, in which he travels the British railway networks, referring to various editions of Bradshaw's Guide. [70], In 2009, he filmed a series titled Great British Railway Journeys, in which he explored, with the aid of George Bradshaw's 1863 tourist handbook, how the railways had a profound influence on the social, economic and political history of Britain. Apart from the facts mentioned already, it is hard to tell anything else about her family background and early life. Portillo was born in Bushey, Hertfordshire, to an exiled Spanish republican father, Luis Gabriel Portillo (19071993)[3] and a Scottish mother, Cora Waldegrave (ne Blyth; 19192014). After marrying his childhood sweetheart, we take a look into the couples 40-year marriage to . Carolyn Eadie is Michael Portillo's wife. How Old is Babyface and Where is He From? Michael was born on May 26, 1953, in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. His father, John Blyth, was a successful linen mill owner. [57] He is also an Honorary Vice-President of Canning House, the Hispanic and Luso Brazilian Council. In 1982, Carolyn Eadie married Michael, a right-wing Tory, in a private London ceremony. Eadie is from North London and first met her future husband, journalist Michael Portillo, at a teen party in the mid-70s. ")[39] Portillo himself commented, thirteen years later, that as a consequence "My name is now synonymous with eating a bucketload of shit in public."[42]. [23][24] He was a strong supporter of Margaret Thatcher. However, he admits the pair get to Scotland "much less often than to sunny Andalusia". She has always been a strong supporter of her husband's diverse profession. They remain happily married now, having gotten hitched to Mr. Portillo in 1982. Michael Portillo is married to his wife, and her name is Carolyn Eadie. We have known each other for quite a while and we are very good friends, but just friends and that is all it is.. Throughout these years, the Journalist has amassed enormous wealth. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. See below for more details. Who is Carolyn Eadie married to? Express. Her husband Michael is a very famous journalist, broadcaster, and former Conservative politician. In 1982, the pair met at a teen party and married. Is Michael Portillo still married to Carolyn Eadie? Michael is a 69-year-old who was born on May 26, 1953, in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. He moved into the House of Commons in 1984 after winning the election for the first time. Carolyn has been very supportive of her husband's versatile career. Paxman opened the interview with the question "so Michael, are you going to miss the limo? Also Read:Who Is Gregory McMichael's Wife Leigh McMichael? The two have been incredibly public with their relationship thanks to Michaels position in the public eye. Cora Waldegrave Blyth de Portillo One young person hailed me with, 'We are studying you in history.'". [75] A series Great Australian Railway Journeys began airing on BBC2 on 26 October 2019, with six journeys across Australia. On 12 February 1982 Portillo married Carolyn Claire Eadie. [101], In 2018 he accepted the role as President of the Friends of the SettleCarlisle line[102] following the death of previous incumbent, Sir William McAlpine.[103]. Michael Portillo/Languages. British The pair married on 12 February 1982. In 2007, he participated in the BBC television project The Verdict, serving, with other well known figures, as a jury member hearing a fictional rape case. Also read: Michael Portillo's new TV job revealed. Since retiring from politics, Michael has pursued his media interests by presenting and participating in a wide range of television and radio programs. Michael Portillo. Carolyn is a senior executive recruitment consultant in the City of London, with Spencer Stuart. Once known as Britain's "most hated Tory", Michael is now more likely to be stopped by fans clamouring for a selfie. However, there is no information about his brothers. One thing is certain though, the entirety of Carolyn Eadies life does not revolve around her husband. Between its inception in 2003 and cancellation in 2019, Portillo appeared in the BBC weekly political discussion programme This Week with Andrew Neil, and, until September 2010, Labour MP Diane Abbott. Michael Portillo was born on May 26, 1953 in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England, UK. Portillo has been married to his partner Carolyn Eadie since 1982 and currently lives together in Britain. "Carolyn and I have bought a lovely house near Seville," he explained. The two became unable to be parents as a result of a cancer operation that Carolyn had to undergo. Carolyn is a British businesswoman and is currently a Senior Executive Recruitment Consultant in the City of London with Spencer Stuart. Does Jordan Mailata Have a Wife or Is He in a Relationship? According to multiple reports, she has done well for herself as an entrepreneur. A former member of the Conservative Party, he was Member of Parliament (MP) for Enfield Southgate from 1984 to 1997 and Kensington and Chelsea from 1999 to 2005. [98] The fund, which operated under the title "Catalyst: Endowments", made 31 awards over the two years 201213 totalling 36 million. Michael stands at a height of 5 ft 11 in ( Approx1.78 m). Danny Pudi And Wife Bridget Showalter Pudi Relationship With Two Children. Michael Portillo is still married to Carolyn Eadie. She dismissed any suggestions that she was romantically involved with Mr Portillo yesterday (Sun). . The two met at a teen party married in the year 1982. She is not interested in sharing the limelight with her husband and is contended to be in the background. The Great Australian Railway Journeys star had no qualms about the weather when travelling across the desert - but the epic train voyage took him to plenty of other diverse landscapes as well. He had his primary education at Stanburn Primary School in Greater London and thereafter proceeded to Harrow County School for Boys. Twice in a week: Mr Portillo and Ms Gornall were seen together again two days later when they visited a local restaurant in Primrose Hill, Michael Portillo has been married to Carolyn Eadie since 1982, but has allegedly had several affairs during their 32 years together (pictured: the couple in 2003). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'biographyhost_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-medrectangle-3-0'); From 1981 to 1983, he worked for Kerr McGee Oil (UK) Ltd. Carolyn has no record of social media accounts and thus leads a more private lifestyle than her husband. His wife Carolyn is a successful entrepreneur in the city of London, where she operates a Recruitment Consultant. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Michael Portillo Wife. [92] He has also presented a history series on BBC Radio 4 called The Things We Forgot to Remember. The accomplished young journalist, who has also worked on the BBCs Panorama, Watchdog and Newsnight programmes, opted for a pale outfit of white jeans, a cream trenchcoat and a light pink pashmina. As Michael went to Harrow County grammar school (which was solely for boys), it is assumed that they met at another school as children. His membership of the Conservative Party has since lapsed. His Height, Weight, and Body Measurements, All About Kawhi Leonards Marriage, Wife and Kids. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'biographyhost_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-medrectangle-4-0'); While at school, Portillo was a supporter of the Labour Party; he credits his conversion to conservatism at Cambridge to the right-wing Peterhouse historian Maurice Cowling's influence. ", "The transformation of Michael Portillo: Less power - but a lot more fun", "Why do some schools produce clusters of celebrities? The marriage between Michael Portillo and Carolyn Eadie is still going strong. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Michael Portillo was born on the 26th of May 1953 in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England. They have been married since the 12th of February 1982. Carolyn grew up in North London, where she met her husband at a teen party while they were at school in the mid 70s. Portillo unexpectedly lost the hitherto safe Conservative Enfield Southgate seat at the 1997 general election. His wife Carolyn is a successful entrepreneur in the city of London, where she operates a Recruitment Consultant. Initially elected to the House of Commons in a 1984 by-election, Michael worked as a junior minister under both Margaret Thatcher and John Major, prior to entering the Cabinet in 1992 as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, prior to being promoted to Secretary of State for Employment in 1994. We will continue to update details on Michael Portillo's family. He did not seek re-election in the 2005 general election and that effectively brought his political career to an end. The show debuted on BBC Two in 2010 and has been repeated yearly. Also Read British Politician -Harlan Hill - Wife, Age, Bio, Fox News & Wedding. Portillo also presented a similar television series called Great Continental Railway Journeys, following Portillo around continental Europe. [32], As Defence Secretary, Portillo became the object of criticism when he invoked the motto of the SAS, "Who Dares, Wins", at a speech at the 1995 Conservative Party annual conference. Symbolising the loss of the election by the Conservative Party, it has been referred to as "the Portillo moment", and in the clich "Were you up for Portillo?" Michael Portillo (Full Name: Michael Denzil Xavier Portillo) is a well-known British journalist, broadcaster, and retired politician whose broadcast series include railway documentaries like Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railway Journeys. This is why what she does for a living has remained sketchy to the public. Carolyn had to undergo cancer surgery, which prevented the couple from becoming parents. pic.twitter.com/aFfpJe81Ju, Michael Portillo (@portilloandhen) March 3, 2016. As Michael went to Harrow County grammar school (which was solely for boys), it is assumed that they met at another school as children. Portillo's documentary Michael Portillo: Death of a School Friend explores how the suicide of Portillo's classmate Gary Findon affected Findon's parents, brother, music teachers, schoolteachers, classmates, and Portillo himself. [9] He was educated at Stanburn Primary School in Stanmore, Greater London, and Harrow County School for Boys[10] and then won a scholarship to Peterhouse, Cambridge, where he studied history. Michael Portillo does not have any children. [33] In 1996 his ministry undertook the sale of the entire stock of Ministry of Defence (MoD) housing for military personnel to Annington Homes. Furthermore, at to latest, he wasspotted documentingthe 14th series of the show at Arnside Station in September 2021. Having said that, it is no secret she is a British woman who belongs to the caucasian ethnic group. The couple wed on February 12, 1982 in a small, modest ceremony in London. Carolyn Eadie has always lived her life away from the spotlight. Was Jada Pinkett at Tupacs Funeral and Where was He Buried? "I have a large number of cousins in Spain and I tend to be the organiser of reunions and parties. Family: He married Carolyn Eadie in 1982. In November 2003, he turned down an offer of a Shadow Cabinet post from the incoming Conservative leader Michael Howard. Carolyn Eadie (born March 15, 1952; Age: 70) is a British businesswoman. Micheal Portillo's wife Carolyn Eadie Michael Portillo is currently married to Carolyn Claire Eadie. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Buzznigeria.com copyright 2021. Single mother faces 170 parking fine after overstaying at McDonald's for just 14 minutes while she treated Do not sell or share my personal information. [2] First elected to the House of Commons in a 1984 by-election, Portillo served as a junior minister under both Margaret Thatcher and John Major, before entering the Cabinet in 1992 as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and promoted to Secretary of State for Employment in 1994. In 2002 these included one about Richard Wagner, and one in Spain: Great Railway Journeys: From Granada to Salamanca, for BBC Two (2002). Also Read:Derrick Yearby Arrested For Attacking Greg Chew: Was The Attack On The 70-year-old Asian Former City Commissioner Hate Crime? The pair married on February 12th, 1982, in a small modest ceremony in London. Over the years there have been several reports alleging that he had affairs, including claims that he was romantically involved with the unnamed wife of a millionaire banker, a former lingerie model and a Hungarian blonde. "[54] He also condemned Theresa May's 2018 "Chequers plan" for exit negotiations as "the most dreadful betrayal, and if I had been a member of the Cabinet, I would have been one of the ones who would have quit over the weekend." Michael Portillos wife is a businesswoman. Portillo obtained a first class degree in history from the University of Cambridge, having been a student at Peterhouse College. [1] Political career (1984-2005) [ edit] Portillo graduated in 1975 with a first-class degree in history, [14] and, after a brief stint with Ocean Transport and Trading Ltd., a shipping and transport company, he joined the Conservative Research Department in 1976. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The couple met at a teen party and married in 1982, and she has been a strong supporter of her husband's diverse career. He is a long-serving member of the panel in the BBC Radio 4 series The Moral Maze. [67], The documentary How To Kill a Human Being in the Horizon series featured Portillo carrying out a survey of capital punishment methods (including undertaking some near death experiences himself), in an attempt to find an 'acceptable' form of capital punishment. He retired from the House of Commons and from active politics at the 2005 general election. On 1 February 2000, William Hague promoted Portillo to the Shadow cabinet as Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor. Mr Portillo, this time wearing a more formal combination of a white shirt and dark tie with a black overcoat, walked Miss Gornall home and bade her goodnight with a kiss on the cheek, the Sunday Mirror reported. The two became unable to be parents as a result of a cancer operation that Carolyn had to undergo. He grew up in Hertfordshire but also had a Spanish passport, on which his name has been changed to Miguel Portillo y Blyth to comply with Spanish naming conventions. Carolyn is 66 years old and has been married to Michael for over four decades. For an episode of the 2003 BBC Two series My Week In The Real World, in which politicians stepped into the shoes of members of the public, Portillo took over, for one week, the life, family and income of a single mother living on benefits in Wallasey. Carolyn and Michael first met at a teen party in the mid-70s. See below for more details. In 2006 he made a programme on Spanish wildlife for BBC Two's The Natural World series. All About Frdric Thibauds Ex-wife, Where Is Central Cee From? Furthermore,the Daily Mail UKalso mentioned that Portillo allegedly had extramarital affairs during his marriage with Eadie. Earlier this year, in January, we were presentedGreat Asian Railways Journeys. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The married former Tory Cabinet Minister was photographed leaving Erica Gornalls flat in affluent Primrose Hill in north-west London. [25], In 1990, Portillo was appointed Minister of State for Local Government, in which post he argued in favour of the ultimately highly unpopular Community Charge system (popularly known as "the Poll Tax"). Meat Loaf's retort to Prince Andrew: 'I don't give a s*** who you are! He was a Conservative Party member representing Enfield Southgate from 1984 to 1997 and Kensington and Chelsea from 1999 to 2005. [18], Portillo returned to advisory work for the government, and, in December 1984, he stood for and won the Enfield Southgate by-election, following the murder of the incumbent, Sir Anthony Berry, in the bombing of the Grand Hotel, Brighton by the IRA. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. He became a Conservative Party MP and by 1987, was appointed to his first ministerial post, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security. Furthermore, he has regularly appeared on the BBC's'This Week'political discussion show and BBC Radio 4's'The Moral Maze'ethical debate show.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'biographyhost_com-box-3','ezslot_1',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biographyhost_com-box-3-0'); Michael Denzil Xavier Portillo is a screenwriter who is mostly known for his broadcast series of railway documentaries likeGreat British Railway Journeys(2010) andGreat Continental Railway Journeys(20122020). Portillo is the father of no children. All About Her Age and Family Life, Who is Annabella Stoermer Coleman? He was knocked out in the final round of voting by Conservative MPs, his sexual history according to Kenneth Clarke having damaged his chances,[48] leaving party members to choose between Iain Duncan Smith and Kenneth Clarke. lafayette county clerk of court; how long does nintedanib take to work; how to text your ex girlfriend after a long time; He has been married to Carolyn Claire Eadie since February 12, 1982. [8], In 1961, aged eight, Portillo appeared in a television advertisement for Ribena, a blackcurrant cordial drink. Speaking from her parents semi-detached house in a quiet cul-de-sac in Eynsham, Oxfordshire, she said: We are just friends. I then drove the car to my constituency and I knew I'd lost. Great British Railway Journeysis a documentary series hosted by Portillo. Michael Portillo - (C) Boundless/Fremantle - Photographer: Have something to tell us about this article? Information ranging from who her parents are to the number of siblings she has remain unknown to the public. Carolyn Eadie is claimed to make more than her husband, Michael Portillo, with an annual salary of more than 500,000. Railway documentaries such as Great British Railway Journeys and Great Continental Railway Journeys are among his aired programs. Away from her career, she has been a supportive wife to her husband. Michael Portillo is married to his wife, and her name is Carolyn Eadie. [6] Portillo's maternal grandfather, John Blyth, was a prosperous linoleum manufacturer from Kirkcaldy. Her husband was born in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England, to a refugee father named Luis Gabriel Portillo and a Scottish mother, Cora Waldegrave. Luis Gabriel Portillo Since his retirement from politics, he has stayed committed to his career as a journalist. David Mellor had this really bad tempered spat with Jimmy Goldsmith [after the Putney election results had been announced]. Portillo was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security in 1987 and was promoted to Minister of State for Transport the following year. "But I was in general very captivated with Australian history and I hope that Australians of every background will feel that we have attempted to tell it straight.". michael portillo jackets. Since Michael Portillo retired from politics in 2005, the former Conservative MP has taken up a more leisurely career path. Michaels estimated net worth is $1 million. In 2010, Michael commence his celebrated series, Great British Railway Journeys,following the British railway networks according to an 1840s copy ofBradshaws Guide. Applicants could bid for grants of between 500,000 and 5m, which were to be matched from the private sector. On another occasion Portillo exclaimed (as a pundit on This Week) that "short of marching Mrs. May into a railway carriage in the Compigne forest, they could not have produced a more humiliating surrender. Michael Portillo steps out in the spring sunshine with a female researcher from one of his TV shows who is 34 years his junior. "[43][44] A few weeks after he had given that interview, the death of Alan Clark gave Portillo the opportunity to return to Parliament, despite Lord Tebbit accusing Portillo of lying about the extent of his sexual "deviance",[45] and similar comments from an associate included in a profile of Portillo in The Guardian newspaper. On 3 February, Portillo stood opposite the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, in the House of Commons for the first time in his new role. With this show, we saw Michael travel across China and South East Asia. [68] He made a second Horizon documentary, titled How Violent Are You?, broadcast on 12 May 2009. However, she is known to many as the wife of Michael Portillo, a British journalist, and broadcaster. Click to reveal Michael Denzil Xavier Portillo was born on 26 May 1953 in England. The series follows Portillo as he travels through the railway networks of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. Carolyn Eadie is Michael Portillo's wife. [73], In early 2016, Portillo began a new BBC travel documentary series Great American Railroad Journeys, which saw him travelling across the United States by rail. Michael Portillo is a British journalist, broadcaster and former politician. [96] He is President of DEBRA, a British charity working on behalf of people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a genetic skin blistering condition. READ NOW:Monty Don bids farewell in "personal conclusion" to BBC series. Michael celebrates his birthday on May 26th every year. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Portillo joined the multinational defense contractor BAE Systems as a non-executive director in September 2002 and resigned from that position in March 2006.