Anna Richardson has spoken with striking honesty about one of the most personal reflections of her life, admitting she now feels the emotional weight of not starting a family after spending decades chasing success in television.
The 55-year-old presenter, best known for fronting shows including Naked Attraction, said her demanding career left her feeling as though she had been trapped on a constant “hamster wheel” — always working, always pushing forward, and always trying to prove herself in the competitive world of broadcasting.
Speaking on Marisa Peer’s podcast Your Mind, Your Rules, Anna admitted that while she built an impressive career over three decades, the personal cost has only become clear with time.
“The human cost of trying to do it all is just overwhelming,” she reflected.
Looking back, Anna said she now realises she was so focused on making things happen professionally that she “forgot” to build the family life she once imagined.
“I look back and think, ‘Oh, I kind of missed that boat, and now what do I do?’” she said.
Anna Richardson, (left), has candidly spoken of her regret over not starting a family, admitting the demands of building her successful TV career over the past three decades meant she ‘forgot’ to have children of her own
She also hit out at being asked if she’s a lesbian after her seven-year relationship with Sue Perkins (seen together)
But rather than closing the door on family altogether, Anna said she is now exploring what family might look like in a different, more flexible way. She acknowledged that not everyone has children, and not everyone is able to, adding that there are many different ways to create meaningful family bonds.
Anna, who has been in a relationship with charity boss Simon Marks since 2022, also opened up about finding calm and kindness after previous relationships that were passionate, intense and often filled with “fire meets fire” energy.
Speaking on author Marisa Peer’s new podcast, Your Mind, Your Rules, Anna, 55, admitted she often felt as though she had been on a ‘hamster wheel’ throughout her career
Aside from hosting shows about diet and nutrition, one of Anna’s biggest roles is presenting the dating programme Naked Attraction
Before Simon, she was in a seven-year relationship with comedian and presenter Sue Perkins, following an 18-year relationship with TV producer Charles Martin.
Describing Simon, Anna said he brought something different into her life.
“He’s very calm, very quiet, exceedingly kind,” she said. “And it’s actually what I need. Kindness is so underrated.”
Anna also addressed the public curiosity surrounding her sexuality after relationships with both men and women. The presenter, who has described herself as sexually fluid, said she finds labels frustrating and limiting.
She revealed that people often ask whether she is lesbian, straight or bisexual — but her answer is simple.
“I’m Anna, I’m me,” she said. “Your biggest label is your name. I am Anna, and I’ve loved men and I’ve loved women.”
Speaking warmly about Sue Perkins, Anna made clear that their connection remains deeply meaningful.
“I fell in love with that person and she is still one of the most significant people in my life,” she said.
Anna also reflected on her childhood in Shropshire as the daughter of a vicar and a teacher. While she felt pressure to be a “good girl” and not “rock the boat,” she said growing up in a vicarage also taught her acceptance, compassion and curiosity about people from all walks of life.
That sense of acceptance, she explained, is one of the reasons she came to understand and value Naked Attraction. Although she initially questioned the show’s purpose when producers approached her, she later saw it as a programme about body diversity, vulnerability and human connection.
“This is not pornography,” she said. “There is an educational element… and actually, there’s a human interest element about acceptance.”
For Anna, the show is ultimately about showing that people come in all shapes, sizes and stories — and that everyone deserves love.
Source: Daily Mail
