Martin Bayfield

Martin Bayfield is a former England and British Lions rugby international and is an award-winning broadcaster. At 6'10", Martin earned 31 England caps, two Grand Slams, and British Lions selection before transitioning seamlessly into television, presenting BT Sport's rugby coverage and ITV's Six Nations, as well as BBC's Crimewatch. Beyond broadcasting, he's known as Hagrid's body double in Harry Potter and as a Celebrity MasterChef finalist. Martin brings impeccable comic timing, entertaining anecdotes from rugby, policing, and film, and natural stage presence to corporate events, delivering memorable awards ceremonies and after-dinner speeches that energise and engage audiences.

Reinvention after setback is rarely straightforward, yet it defines the careers of those who succeed beyond their first act. Martin Bayfield is a former England and British & Irish Lions rugby international turned television presenter and awards host, whose ability to transition between elite sport, broadcasting, and the corporate speaking circuit has made him one of the most sought-after personalities for events that demand both gravitas and entertainment. Standing at 6'10", Martin was one of the tallest rugby players of his generation, a physical presence he used to dominate as one of England's most formidable forwards before injury ended his playing career prematurely in 1998.

Between 1985 and 1989, Martin served with the Metropolitan Police before transferring to Bedfordshire Police, where he balanced frontline policing with his rugby ambitions. He turned professional in 1990 and went on to earn 31 England caps, winning two Five Nations Grand Slams between 1991 and 1996. Selected to represent the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand in 1993, Martin played in all three Tests and was voted RFU Player of the Year in 1995. His career also took him to the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, cementing his reputation as one of England's most reliable and powerful second rows. Beyond rugby, Martin's stature led to a distinctive role as the body and stunt double for Rubeus Hagrid, played by Robbie Coltrane, throughout the entire Harry Potter film franchise. He also appeared as a cyclops in Wrath of the Titans and reached the finals of BBC One's Celebrity MasterChef in 2018, showcasing his culinary skill and competitive spirit.

Since transitioning into broadcasting and corporate work, Martin has become a leading rugby presenter for BT Sport's Premiership and European tournaments, and a regular fixture on ITV's Six Nations coverage since 2016. His versatility has seen him present programmes ranging from Crimewatch on BBC1 to the NFL and World's Strongest Man. Martin is currently hosting the Mobile News Awards 2026, bringing his trademark warmth and comic timing to an industry celebrating innovation and achievement. As Honorary President of the Wooden Spoon Society, a rugby charity supporting disadvantaged children, and Vice President of the London Playing Fields Foundation, Martin remains deeply committed to giving back. Whether delivering an after-dinner speech filled with entertaining anecdotes from the police, the rugby pitch, or the Harry Potter set, or hosting high-profile awards ceremonies, Martin combines authenticity, humour, and impeccable professionalism to leave audiences both entertained and inspired.