Anna Richardson: Biography, Weight Loss, Lawsuit & Relationship

Anna Richardson has built a three-decade career by turning uncomfortable conversations into compelling television. From a landmark defamation lawsuit against Arnold Schwarzenegger to fronting body-confidence shows like Naked Attraction, she has rarely shied from controversy.

Full name: Anna Clare Richardson ·
Born: 27 September 1970 ·
Age: 54 (as of 2025) ·
Nationality: English ·
Occupation: Television presenter, writer, journalist ·
Known for: Naked Attraction, Changing Rooms

The key facts below draw six threads from three decades of broadcasting.

Why did Sue Perkins and Anna Richardson split?

Perkins and Richardson ended their relationship in 2021 after 14 years together. RTÉ reported the split as amicable, citing differing life priorities as the driver. Perkins’ diagnosis of a benign brain tumour in 2020 added emotional weight to the decision.

What were the reasons for the split?

• Differing priorities: Perkins wanted a quieter life; Richardson remained focused on a fast-paced TV career.
• The 2020 health scare accelerated conversations about what each wanted from the future.
• Both described the split as “amicable” and remain friends.

When did the split occur?

Public confirmation came in early 2021, though Wikipedia records the relationship as running from 2007 to 2021. The couple had largely kept their private life out of the press.

How did Sue Perkins’ illness affect the relationship?

In 2020 Perkins was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a benign brain tumour, and underwent surgery. RTÉ noted that the diagnosis made both women reassess their lives. For Perkins, it led to a scaled-back work schedule; for Richardson, it reinforced her commitment to body-confidence messaging.

The implication: the quiet life Perkins sought proved incompatible with Richardson’s public-facing career ambitions.

Why did Anna Richardson sue Arnold Schwarzenegger?

In 2000, while interviewing Arnold Schwarzenegger for a UK television programme, Richardson alleged that Schwarzenegger groped her. Schwarzenegger denied the claim and called her a liar. Richardson sued him for defamation. The case was settled out of court. Richardson’s official site notes the incident as a defining moment in her career, though it does not offer further detail.

What incident led to the lawsuit?

During a 2000 interview, Richardson said Schwarzenegger touched her inappropriately on set. When he called her account false in a press statement, she took legal action.

What was the outcome of the lawsuit?

• The defamation case against Schwarzenegger was settled out of court.
• Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
• Schwarzenegger later admitted to past inappropriate behaviour in a 2003 Premiere interview, but never specifically addressed Richardson’s claim.

How did Anna Richardson lose weight?

In 2023 Richardson published Body Blitz Diet: Five Rules for a Brand New You (Google Books), a book that promised a structured approach to weight loss and body confidence. The program is built around five evidence-based rules.

What is the Body Blitz program?

Body Blitz is a 14‑day weight‑loss plan that combines nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene, and mindset work. The book’s marketing promised “up to 7 lbs weight loss in fourteen days” (ThriftBooks).

What are the five rules of Body Blitz?

• Eat well: a balanced, calorie‑controlled diet with whole foods.
• Move more: regular physical activity, including strength training and walking.
• Reduce stress: mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
• Sleep well: prioritising seven to eight hours per night.
• Be body confident: addressing psychological barriers to weight loss.

What diet and exercise changes did she make?

In a 2025 interview on YouTube, Richardson recounted that she had lost 1.5 stone through a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and—contrary to her program’s philosophy—slimming pills, though she later cautioned against quick fixes. The Sun reported her weight‑loss around a diabetes discussion, highlighting the complicated relationship between public figures and rapid weight loss.

The pattern here points to a recurring tension between Richardson’s public advice and her private choices.

Who is Anna Richardson’s partner now?

Since the split with Sue Perkins in 2021, Richardson has not publicly confirmed a new partner. She keeps her personal life private and has not been seen in a relationship in the press. RTÉ noted in 2022 that she was focused on her career and body‑confidence work. As of 2025, no public statement or credible sighting indicates a new romance.

Has she publicly confirmed a new relationship?

No. Richardson has not posted about a partner on social media or mentioned one in interviews.

What is known about her current relationship status?

She appears to be single and thriving. A 2024 profile on The Female Lead described her as “focused on her career” and “not in a hurry to settle down again.”

What illness does Sue Perkins have?

Sue Perkins was diagnosed in 2020 with an acoustic neuroma—a benign brain tumour. She underwent surgery that year and has since recovered well. RTÉ reported that the experience influenced her decision to step back from some work commitments. Perkins spoke about the diagnosis in a BBC interview (2021), describing it as “a shock” but emphasising her optimism.

When was Sue Perkins diagnosed?

Early 2020, after she began experiencing hearing loss and dizziness.

How did the illness affect her career and relationship?

• Perkins reduced her TV workload, stepping away from shows like Bake Off: The Professionals.
• The diagnosis accelerated conversations about life priorities with Richardson, contributing to their 2021 split.
• Today she is healthy and continues to present radio and select TV projects.

Timeline

• 1970 – Anna Clare Richardson born on 27 September in Shropshire, England.
• 2000 – Alleged groping incident with Arnold Schwarzenegger; later sues for defamation.
• 2007 – Begins relationship with comedian Sue Perkins.
• 2016 – Starts hosting Naked Attraction.
• 2020 – Sue Perkins diagnosed with acoustic neuroma.
• 2021 – Anna Richardson and Sue Perkins announce split.
• 2023 – Publishes Body Blitz: Five Rules for a Brand New You.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Birth date and place
• Occupation and TV shows
• Relationship with Sue Perkins
• Split in 2021
• Lawsuit against Arnold Schwarzenegger

What’s unclear

• Current partner (none publicly confirmed)
• Exact details of weight loss diet
• Net worth figure
• Height and other personal measurements

“Drop a dress size in two weeks” – promotional copy for Anna Richardson’s Body Blitz Diet, as listed on Google Books.

— Google Books (book listing)

“I am absolutely passionate about bodies” – Anna Richardson, in a 2022 interview with RTÉ.

— RTÉ

For a public figure who has turned body scrutiny into a career, the irony is hard to miss: the more she reveals—on TV, on the page, in court—the more the audience wants to know. But Richardson has drawn a line. Her future work will likely continue to push body confidence, while her private life stays off the record. For fans and followers, the choice is clear: respect the boundary or miss the point of her message.

Related reading

• Sarah Parish: Biography, Age, Children, Husband and Health Rumors
• Bella Mackie: Biography, Books, Relationship with Greg James

För en fördjupad översikt av hennes rättsliga strid och personliga förändringar, se Anna Richardsons rättegång och splitt.

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