[2] He progressed through the corporation's internal training scheme, working on Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Newsround.

[6] In 2007, Thompson received an Award of Distinction from Belfast Metropolitan College for his services to journalism.

[2] Prior to joining the BBC, Thompson worked in a bar at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, and he also managed his brother's restaurant in the West Indies.

[2] He sings baritone with the Belfast Philharmonic and has regularly performed at many classical concerts with the august choir alongside the Ulster Orchestra.

[8] Thompson is married to Sharon and has two children, Patrick and Matthew, the latter a reporter for LBC.