Ella McLeod author page

Ella McLeod biography

Ella McLeod is a British writer and broadcaster. She studied English literature at Durham University and has worked as a presenter and producer for Classic FM, where she created and hosted shows for young audiences as well as digital content introducing classical music to new listeners.

Her debut book, Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair, was published in 2022 by Scholastic. Written in verse and prose, it blends contemporary storytelling with fairytale elements and explores themes of identity and heritage. The book was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in the Older Readers category in 2023.

McLeod has also written essays and spoken on issues relating to race, feminism, and culture. Alongside her work in broadcasting and writing, she has contributed to creative projects across theatre and performance.

In 2024 she co-authored 3,2,1: Once Upon a Time with Alexandra Sheppard, published by Knights Of, a collection of retold fairytales centring Black British girls.